You can enjoy your fast food in a fine dining setting at this McDonald’s, which has been dubbed the world’s most beautiful and compared to a swanky hotel.
The chain’s Nyugati Railway Station restaurant in Budapest, Hungary, has just reopened after an eight-month refurbishment, and it’s unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen Big Macs on the menu before.
Originally opened in 1990 in a historic building designed by the Gustave Eiffel Company – years before they completed the eponymous Eiffel Tower – this iconic location has long been admired for its architectural grandeur.
Although McDonald’s boasts over 35,000 restaurants in over 100 countries across the globe, Lonely Planet called this one the ‘most elegant,’ while MIC magazine describes it as ‘impressive’ due to its ‘elaborate, colonial ceiling’.
On Tripadvisor, the fast food joint boasts a four-star rating, with reviewer Kathryn E saying: ‘This McDonald’s is an experience. It is in what was probably the original station restaurant and is gorgeous. We found Budapest a very beautiful city, and this McD’s emphasised that beauty.’
Another, onepolarbear, wrote, ‘The interior is absolutely beautiful and looks more like a restaurant in a 5-star hotel,’ while elindoo added: ‘I’ve been to a lot of Micky D’s around the word but this one takes the cake! I’ve never seen anything like it, not even close.’
It closed its doors in January to undergo a 21st century upgrade, with new kitchen technology, touchscreen kiosks, and the capability to order through the McDonald’s mobile app.
A unique food conveyer belt feature has also been added, so customers can see their food being transferred to between the two levels of the kitchen through a glass box.
Despite this high-tech remodel though, designers focused on preserving the building’s original features, including antique lamps, a wrought-iron gate, and intricately painted stucco ceilings.
The revitalised interior now boasts modern design elements such as mirrored glass surfaces, copper-covered light fixtures, and custom furniture, in an effort to blend contemporary aesthetics with the site’s historic charm.
Additionally, the McCafé here has been relocated to the entrance level, while the outdoor area has been transformed into a stylish lounge-style terrace that’s perfect for enjoying a coffee in the buzz of the Hungarian capital.
McDonald’s has teased that further special features are set to be unveiled soon, cementing this as a ‘landmark destination’ that offers more than just burgers and fries – and one that’s well worth stopping off at next time you’re in the area.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.