One of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s reopened in Budapest downtown after revamp

The McDonald’s restaurant at Budapest’s renowned Nyugati Railway Station has been recognised multiple times as one of the most beautiful in the world. The establishment recently underwent a six-month refurbishment and is now open again, offering visitors a range of spectacular features.

One of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s restaurant

According to Magyar Építők, Market Ltd. has renovated the McDonald’s location on the border of Budapest’s 6th and 13th districts. Situated close to Nyugati Railway Station, this fast-food restaurant is a favourite among both locals and tourists. During the refurbishment, which took place between February and August, a mobile truck restaurant operated nearby to serve customers.

Photos of the renovation:

The McDondald’s restaurant – considered by many to be among the world’s most beautiful—reopened today. This outlet has been in operation since 1990.

The renovation marks the conclusion of the multinational company’s extensive restaurant revamp programme in Hungary. The project focused on implementing the “Experience of the Future” concept, which included upgrading the interior, reconstructing exclusive design features, and using natural materials.

Eiffel-designed railway station building

The restaurant reopened this afternoon following a renovation that cost over HUF 1.8 billion (EUR 4.56 million), according to the franchise’s statement.

Previously, Market Ltd. had renovated the McDonald’s on Régi Posta Street in Budapest’s 5th district. We covered that project in THIS article. That restaurant of the franchise reopened in October 2023, with Hungarian Michelin-star chef Jenő Rácz preparing the first fine dining meals using authentic McDonald’s ingredients, attracting many visitors who queued for hamburgers and fries.

The newly refurbished McDonald’s is just a short distance away in an annex of Nyugati Railway Station. Built in the late 19th century, the station—designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company—features Eclectic style architecture with Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Romantic interiors. Market Ltd. transformed the space to meet contemporary standards.

RAY-design concept and unique solutions

The new interior design, created by the Australian studio Landini and adapted by Hungarian interior architect Géza Sass, incorporates McDonald’s RAY-design concept. This includes uniquely designed mirrors, copper-covered luminaires, and various bespoke pieces of furniture, all made from natural materials. Additionally, a restorer has painted the interior pillars.

Notably, the counter has been raised to the entrance level, eliminating the need to descend stairs to place an order. Guests can use a double staircase to access the gallery and mezzanine. Uniquely in Hungary, food will be transported between the two levels of the kitchen via a conveyor belt.

An iconic place

In addition to traditional cashier desks, the redesigned restaurant features touchscreen order kiosks and a lounge-style terrace.

Zsolt Égi, CEO of Progress Étteremhálózat Ltd., which operates McDonald’s franchise units in Hungary, praised the renovated venue, describing it as iconic.

MTI reported that the restaurant attracts several hundred thousand visitors annually and has been expanded to seat over 280 guests. Staff numbers have increased from 168 to 218 as a result of the expansion, according to Progress Étteremhálózat. Hungary has 113 McDonald’s restaurants, and Progress Étteremhálózat reported net sales revenue of HUF 91.0 billion in 2023, according to public records.

For more photos, see the article by Magyar Építők.

HERE is the history of the McDonald’s restaurant at Nyugati in photos.

Read also:

• This is how the first McDonald’s was opened in Hungary during communism – read more HERE
• Budapest McDonald’s among most elegant worldwide