A first-class seat on Amtrak's Acela train just got tastier—and a lot more stylish. Amtrak has upgraded its flagship Acela service with a new chef-designed dining menu, plus a suite of perks that might make even the most dedicated frequent flyer consider riding the rails.
Rolling out now in First Class on all Acela routes, the new, the elevated menu is the work of James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, the creative force behind the likes of Buddakan, Pastis and Parc. The menu brings the flavor of Starr’s Northeast Corridor restaurants onboard, turning a standard train meal into something special.
Highlights include charred chicken with acorn squash and aji verde sauce inspired by D.C.’s St. Anselm; ricotta ravioli with plum tomato sauce, channeling the Parisian vibes of Philly’s Parc; and standout crab enchiladas with coconut, poblano peppers and corn, topped off with lime crema and queso fresco—a favorite from El Presidente. Pair it all with premium wines and curated spirits plus upgraded tableware, linen tablecloths and hot towel service for a real fine-dining experience.
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It’s all part of Amtrak’s push to make its express Acela trains—the fastest in the country—even more appealing to the business and leisure travelers who zip between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. daily. Already a favorite for its speed and convenience, Acela now aims to lure food lovers and anyone who prefers a linen-draped table to airplane trays.
But the upgrades don’t stop with dinner. First-class passengers score access to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges, including the crown jewel at New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, a destination lounge with soaring glass windows, sleek design, fast Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks. Once onboard, the comfort keeps coming with larger leather seats, adjustable headrests, lumbar support and footrests so you can actually stretch out and relax.
With these new touches, Amtrak is determined to prove train travel can be more than just a way to get from A to B—it can be part of the adventure itself. So if your usual Northeast Corridor trip needs a little spark, it might be time to take a seat in Acela first class.