Amtrak Just Launched a Luxe New Dining Menu on Its Fastest First Class Route

A first class train ride just got more luxurious. 

That’s because Amtrak is rolling out a new, elevated dining menu for premium passengers on its popular Acela line, according to the company. From charred chicken to a unique take on crab, first class Acela passengers will now have the opportunity to feast on the new menu as they zip across one of the busiest train routes in the United States. 

“These elevated touches will add to the experience on board and improve expectations for what to expect on Amtrak and Acela First Class,” Amtrak said in a statement, adding “they reflect a larger commitment to redefining hospitality and positioning Amtrak as the leader in premium service.”

The new menu, which is now available on all Acela routes, was developed by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr whose restaurants are located in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Florida, and Nashville, and include popular spots like Buddakan, Electric Lemon, Pastis, and The Clock Tower.

Each main dish was inspired by one of Starr’s famed restaurants, including the Charred Bobo Chicken with acorn squash and aji verde sauce from St. Anselm, the Washington D.C. outpost of the American tavern, as well as the ricotta ravioli with a plum tomato sauce from Philadelphia’s Parc. Or feast on the crab enchiladas with coconut, poblano peppers, and corn from Washington D.C.’s El Presidente, served up with a guajillo chili glaze and topped with lime crema and queso fresco. Each meal service is also accompanied by a variety of premium wine and spirits as well as soft drinks. 

The rail company said it also recently upgraded its tableware and now serves meals with luxury amenities like linen table cloths and a hot towel service. 

Popular among business and leisure travelers throughout the Northeast Corridor, the Acela line stretches from Boston to Washington, D.C., with several stops along the way, including in New York City and Philadelphia. The train operates as an express service with fewer local stops and higher speeds, allowing passengers to get to their location faster. 

In addition to the elevated dining, first class passengers on Acela are also treated to other perks, like access to station lounges, including the Metropolitan Lounge at New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, which features large glass windows, contemporary flooring, Wi-Fi, and snacks. On board, first class passengers also enjoy more legroom and comfortable seating (complete with adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and footrests).