McDonald’s Italy: Menu, Prices & Franchise Cost (2026 Guide)

You might think ordering a Big Mac in the land of Carbonara and pizza is a culinary crime. But here is the reality: McDonald’s Italy isn’t your typical fast food joint. It is a case study in survival through adaptation.

Unlike its counterparts in the US or UK, the Italian branch has been forced to level up. To compete with local trattorias, they had to introduce PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ingredients, espresso bars that actually rival local cafes, and a premium localized menu.

Whether you are a tourist looking for a quick bite, an expat navigating delivery apps, or an entrepreneur eyeing a franchise investment, this guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you the real numbers and facts for late 2025 and beyond.

The Scale: McDonald’s Italy by the Numbers

Forget the outdated stats you see elsewhere. As of December 2025, the footprint of the Golden Arches in Italy is massive.

• Total Restaurants: Over 800 locations across the peninsula.
• McCafé: 610 locations (a crucial element in coffee obsessed Italy).
• McDrive: 480 drive thrus for on-the-go service.
• Customer Volume: They serve approximately 1.2 million customers per day—that is nearly 438 million people a year.

The company aggressively expanded in 2024 and 2025, pouring nearly €800 million into new openings and renovations.

The Menu: It’s Not Just Burgers

The menu here is split into two distinct categories: the international staples and the Italian exclusives. While the Quarter Pounder exists, the real stars are the localized items.

The “My Selection” Line

Since 2018, McDonald’s has partnered with Joe Bastianich (of MasterChef fame) to curate the “My Selection” line. This isn’t just marketing; it changes the supply chain. The 2025 edition features high-end ingredients like:

• Asiago DOP cheese
• Speck Alto Adige IGP
• Radicchio di Chioggia IGP

The Insider Tip: If you want the most “Italian” experience, order the Gran Crispy McBacon. It has been a menu staple since 2000 and is widely considered the country’s favorite burger, far outselling the Big Mac in local popularity.

Real Menu Prices (2025/2026 Update)

Inflation has hit fast food hard. If you are reading older blogs claiming you can get a full meal for €5, they are wrong. Here is what you will actually pay at the kiosk today:

• McMenu Classic (Big Mac/McChicken): ~€9.60
• McMenu Gran Crispy McBacon: ~€11.00
• My Selection Premium Menus: Up to €12.20
• Budget Option: The “Salvaeuro” menu still offers small items (like the humble cheeseburger or small fries) for under €2 – €3, with slightly larger snacks capping at €4.95.

McDonald’s has effectively positioned itself as a lifestyle brand here, similar to how Zalando dominates European fashion e commerceaccessible, but with premium tiers that drive up the average ticket price.

McDelivery: Do Not Use Uber Eats

This is critical if you are trying to order food to your hotel or apartment. Uber Eats exited the Italian market in mid-2023.

To get McDelivery in 2025, you must use one of the active official partners:

• Glovo
• Deliveroo
• Just Eat

Franchise Costs: The Million Euro Question

Opening a McDonald’s in Italy is a massive financial undertaking, not a side hustle. 85% of the Italian network is franchised, and they are extremely selective.

The Investment Breakdown (2025 Data)

If you are serious about this, you need to be ready to liquidate significant assets. The total investment ranges between €1,000,000 and €1,200,000 (excluding VAT).

Required Capital:

• Entry Fee: Max €45,000 (based on contract duration, usually 20 years).
• Personal Capital: You must have at least €250,000 (approx. 25%) in liquid personal funds. This cannot be borrowed; it must be your own skin in the game.

Once you are operational, the fees continue. You will pay a monthly rent (percentage of sales), a 5% royalty on net sales, and a 4% contribution to national advertising.

How to Apply

Forget generic forms. You need to contact the specific franchising department via email at [email protected] or use the official application portal on their site.

Working at McDonald’s Italy

With 50 new openings planned annually through 2025, recruitment is constant. Positions range from Crew (kitchen/counter) to Store Managers. While it is often seen as a starter job, the contracts in Italy are regulated by the National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL), providing more protection than similar gig economy roles.

If you are new to the country, sorting out employment is just one hurdle. You’ll also need to figure out healthcare basics, like finding a reliable Italy online pharmacy, to navigate daily life smoothly.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

McDonald’s Italy has successfully de commoditized its own product. By leveraging the “Made in Italy” brand, they have justified higher prices and maintained dominance.

However, if you are looking for a completely different kind of European indulgenceperhaps something sweetyou might want to skip the McFlurry and read our guide on The Only Chocolatiers in the Netherlands Guide for a change of pace.

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