After over six months of renovation, one of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants has reopened in Budapest. Located at the Nyugati Railway Station, this iconic restaurant has been operational since 1990. The renovation, which reportedly cost approximately 1.8 billion HUF according to the contractor, marks the completion of the multinational company’s extensive restaurant revamp programme in Hungary. The project centred on implementing the ‘Experience of the Future’ concept, which involved modernising the interior, reconstructing exclusive design features, and incorporating natural materials.
In harmony with the eclectic style of the adjacent Nyugati Railway Station, the interior of the McDonald’s building on Nyugati Square has been transformed into a space that meets contemporary standards while showcasing rich decoration with neo-Renaissance and neo-Romantic features. The interior design was conceived by Landini, an Australian design studio, and was adapted to the site by Hungarian interior designer Géza Sass. According to Magyar Építők, the restaurant has preserved its original values, which have been carefully maintained even after the renovation.
The renovation is based on McDonald’s RAY design concept, which features unique mirrored glass surfaces, copper-clad fixtures, and a variety of specially designed yet seamlessly integrated furniture elements. All interior components are crafted from genuine, natural materials: the construction incorporates moulded terrazzo flooring, wood, leather, and copper panelling, while the decorative painting of the interior pillars was meticulously executed by a professional restorer.
During the renovation,
a second gallery level was added to the existing one, increasing the total seating capacity to over 280,
including the terrace. Notably, for the first time in a McDonald’s restaurant in Hungary, a special conveyor belt has been installed to connect the kitchen and the service counter, allowing guests to watch their burgers being prepared and served.
‘The restaurant at the Nyugati has always been one of the most impressive locations in our network. I believe it speaks to the importance of our restaurant transformation programme that the final stage of a project announced years ago culminates with the renovation of this iconic building, which crowns the entire process. The McDonald’s in Nyugati Square, which opened 34 years ago in 1990, is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world. We dedicated six months to its renovation, ensuring that we remained faithful to its heritage. Throughout the renovation, we implemented several solutions that are unique within the global McDonald’s network, including the use of real, natural building materials,’ emphasized Zsolt Égi, Managing Director of Progress Restaurant Network Ltd., the operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Hungary.
There are currently 113 McDonald’s restaurants operating in Hungary, with additional locations under construction in Hatvan and Mátészalka. The company is continually seeking opportunities for further expansion.
In most rankings of McDonald’s restaurants around the world based on their appearance, the restaurant at Nyugati is second only to that of Porto’s. The latter is situated in the historic Café Imperial building, a renowned coffee house. Inside, the restaurant boasts stunning stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and an impressive arched entryway, blending the elegance of the past with a modern dining experience.
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