Amtrak Is Bringing Traditional Dining and Chef-Prepared Meals to New Train Routes

Amtrak is bringing a little glamour to American train travel by introducing its traditional dining experience for First Class passengers to new routes. 

On Tuesday, the rail company announced that its traditional dining will now be served in the First Class private rooms aboard the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, both traveling between New York City and Miami. The traditional dining option is already available on six other popular Amtrak routes; Auto Train; California Zephyr; Coast Starlight; Empire Builder; Southwest Chief; and Texas Eagle.

According to a press release, the experience includes chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as table service using actual glassware and cutlery (no more plastic sporks for you, my friend). And perhaps best of all, it comes with white linen tablecloths to really ratchet up the romance factor on the rails. 

Guests can also indulge in vegetarian and vegan menu options alongside a complimentary alcoholic drink with dinner. Children's menus are also available for younger riders. 

The menus include past customer favorites like Amtrak Signature Railroad French Toast and the decadent Three Egg Omelet for breakfast, and the Monte Cristo Grilled Sandwich, Natural Angus Burger, and Vegan Chili Bowl will all be available for lunch. For dinner, guests can order items like the Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak, Atlantic Salmon, or the Rigatoni Bolognese.

This announcement comes on the heels of Amtrak's other news that has made an updated premium menu available to Acela First Class passengers, crafted by restaurateur Stephen Starr.

"We are making significant improvements throughout our network to create a modern and dynamic travel experience," Fred Gazzolo, Amtrak's vice president of product development. "Traveling by train offers a one-of-a-kind journey, and the addition of this new service on two legacy routes is something we think our First Class customers will enjoy."

While this service is only for first class passengers traveling in private rooms, Amtrak shared that its cafe service is also getting an updated menu. But a warm meal handmade by a chef is starting to sound like it's worth the upgrade.