Trains with dining cars offer a unique way to enjoy a meal while traveling. They combine the charm of a scenic journey with the pleasure of good food. Many luxury trains bring a special touch to their dining experience, making it a highlight for passengers.
The best dining cars on trains provide excellent food and a comfortable atmosphere, making the meal as memorable as the trip itself. These dining cars range from elegant to cozy, and each adds to the adventure of traveling by rail.
1) Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is known for its elegant dining cars. It offers a unique experience where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes while watching the countryside roll by. The food is carefully prepared to match the luxury of the train.
There are three dining cars on this train: L’Oriental, Etoile Du Nord, and Côte d’Azur. Each car has its own charm and style, adding to the feeling of traveling in a grand hotel on wheels.
The menu is created by Jean Imbert, a chef with Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. He brings fresh and tasty European flavors to the table.
Dining on this train is not just about food. The atmosphere is refined but cozy, making it a special part of the journey between European capitals. Many travelers say it is one of the best dining experiences on rails.
2) The Ghan
The Ghan is a famous luxury train that travels between Adelaide and Darwin. It takes passengers on a journey through Australia’s stunning outback. The dining cars on The Ghan offer a special experience with all-inclusive meals.
Passengers can enjoy a range of dishes that celebrate Australian flavors. The train features several restaurant cars, each with its own style and atmosphere. Guests can start their day with berry-topped brioche or enjoy a steak under the stars.
Those traveling in Platinum and Gold classes have access to the Outback Explorer lounges. These lounges provide comfortable seating and a free bar. The Queen Adelaide dining cars serve all meals, making dining an important part of the journey.
The Ghan mixes fine dining with the charm of train travel. It offers a relaxed setting to enjoy good food while watching the scenery pass by. The experience appeals to people who want to combine travel and quality dining.
3) Belmond Royal Scotsman
The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a special dining experience on a luxury train through Scotland. It has two dining cars named Raven and Victory. Victory is the oldest, dating back to 1945, giving the meal time a classic feel.
Guests enjoy meals made from fresh, local Scottish ingredients. Dishes often include river-caught salmon and prime Angus beef. Wines are carefully selected to match the food, and all meals and drinks are included in the price.
The dining rooms have elegant mahogany paneling, creating a warm and inviting space. Passengers can relax and enjoy their food while taking in views of the Scottish countryside. The Royal Scotsman is well-known for combining good food with a comfortable, unique setting.
4) Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a famous Swiss train that offers stunning views of the Alps. It runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, taking about eight hours. Passengers can enjoy beautiful mountains, valleys, and charming villages along the way.
The dining car serves a selection of local dishes and fresh ingredients. Meals are often paired with Swiss specialties like dried pear bread. Drinks are available to buy separately from the dining service.
For a more luxurious experience, the Excellence Class offers a private bar and a fine five-course menu. The seating is spacious and arranged for comfort. This class gives travelers a quiet and elegant place to enjoy their meal while watching the scenery pass by.
Overall, the Glacier Express combines great food with one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland. It is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the journey in style.
5) Denali Star
The Denali Star is a popular train route in Alaska. It travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing through beautiful places like Denali National Park. Passengers on this train can enjoy stunning views of the wilderness.
The train offers a GoldStar dining experience. GoldStar passengers get access to a full-service dining car in the lower level of the GoldStar dome car. The meals are included with the ticket, and seating is usually comfortable and quiet.
For those not in GoldStar, the food options are simpler. They can choose from grab-and-go snacks at the Wilderness Café. The café offers quick bites for people who want to eat on the move or prefer light meals.
Service in the dining car is friendly and helpful. While the menu may not be fancy, it fits well with the relaxed and casual nature of the journey. Eating here is a chance to enjoy the scenery while having a meal.
6) Seven Stars Kyushu
The Seven Stars Kyushu offers a unique dining experience on a luxury train in Japan. Passengers enjoy meals in a beautifully decorated dining car with large windows that show off the stunning landscape outside.
The food served is carefully prepared by a team of skilled chefs. Each dish highlights local ingredients and traditional flavors, providing a true taste of Kyushu. The presentation is simple but elegant.
The train runs on two main routes: a short tour of 2 days and 1 night or a longer journey of 4 days and 3 nights. Both options include delicious meals paired with great views.
Travelers say dining aboard Seven Stars is peaceful and special. It combines a calm atmosphere with high-quality meals, making every bite memorable while traveling through scenic areas.
7) Belmond Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer offers a unique dining experience on rails. It has two dining cars where guests can enjoy fresh and colorful dishes. These meals use seasonal ingredients sourced from the Peruvian Andes, giving a local touch to every bite.
The train also features an observation car with panoramic views. Passengers can relax while watching the stunning landscapes pass by. There is also an elegant bar car, perfect for enjoying cocktails in a cozy setting.
Besides the great food, the Andean Explorer is known for its comfortable lounge car. People gather around the baby grand piano or settle into soft seats with a drink. The overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming, making dining here a relaxing part of the journey.
8) Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique dining experience on wheels. Passengers enjoy meals in elegant dining cars with large windows that show off stunning mountain views.
The train has two service levels: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf includes a special bi-level coach with glass domes above for panoramic sights. Both levels serve fresh, locally inspired meals during the journey.
Meals focus on quality and comfort. Guests can expect breakfast and lunch prepared with care, often featuring Canadian flavors. The friendly staff provides attentive service, making meals enjoyable and relaxed.
Rocky Mountaineer does not have sleeper cars. Instead, travelers stay overnight in comfortable hotels at stops along the way. This gives passengers time to rest before another day of scenic train travel and dining.
The combination of great food, personal attention, and beautiful views makes dining on Rocky Mountaineer a memorable part of the trip. It’s well-suited for those who like to eat well while enjoying the Canadian Rockies.
9) Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a unique dining experience aboard a luxury train. It has three dining cars, with two attached during each trip. Passengers can choose from two lunch and two dinner sittings, making it easy to fit meals into their schedule.
The menu features delicious Southeast Asian dishes crafted by Chef André Chiang, a two-Michelin-star chef. Guests enjoy fresh, flavorful food while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The train also has an Observation Car with a bar and lounge area. This space is perfect for relaxing before or after meals. Passengers can enjoy the view from an outdoor teak wood deck. The dining is part of the journey’s charm, combining good food with lasting memories.
10) Blue Train South Africa
The Blue Train offers a dining experience that feels both elegant and comfortable. Its dining car can seat 42 guests and features fine china and silver cutlery. Guests often dress up to enjoy a more formal meal setting.
The menu changes regularly, showcasing fresh local ingredients like Karoo lamb, ostrich, and venison. The chefs take care to present each dish beautifully, often on bone china with crystal glasses, to enhance the meal.
The dining car’s atmosphere is warm and inviting. In the evenings, the bar becomes a lively spot where guests enjoy South African wines and friendly conversations. The whole experience feels like a small luxury on rails.
What Makes a Great Dining Car Experience
A top dining car blends the right setting, delicious meals, and attentive service. Each part plays a role in making the meal on board special and memorable. Comfort, flavor, and care all add to the journey.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The design and feel of the dining car set the tone. Warm lighting, polished wood, and comfortable seats invite passengers to relax and enjoy. Large windows often provide scenic views that add to the dining pleasure.
Sound matters too. Soft background music or the gentle hum of the train creates a calm environment. Cleanliness and well-maintained space make guests feel valued and want to stay longer.
Space is planned for easy movement. Tables are spaced to allow private conversations without feeling crowded. These details create a pleasant place to share meals while on the move.
Culinary Excellence
Food quality is key. Menus often feature fresh, local ingredients and dishes prepared with care. Some luxury trains serve multi-course meals that rival fine dining restaurants.
Variety matters. Good dining cars offer options for different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian or gluten-free choices.
Presentation and taste must work together. Meals are plated neatly and served at the right temperature. This attention shows respect for the guests and the journey.
Service and Hospitality
Friendly, professional staff make a difference. They guide passengers through menu choices and suggest wine pairings when available.
Timing is important. Meals arrive promptly without rushing diners. Staff often share stories about the route or dishes, adding a personal touch.
Flexibility helps guests feel at ease. Courteous service that adapts to preferences, like rearranging seating or special requests, enhances comfort during the trip.
Tips for Enjoying Dining Cars
To make the most of dining car experiences, planning ahead and knowing the expected behavior can enhance comfort and enjoyment. Paying attention to booking details and following proper manners ensures a smooth meal on the train.
Booking Recommendations
Passengers should book dining car seats early, especially on longer routes or popular trains. Some meals require reservations, so securing a spot ahead of time helps avoid missing out. Traveling at peak hours may limit availability.
It is common to pay for meals separately unless ticket classes include dining. Guests can talk to the dining car steward upon boarding to learn about meal times and options. Light snacks might be offered in café cars during early or late hours when full dining service is unavailable.
Checking the specific service on each train route is helpful, as not all trains have dining cars. For example, luxury trains and long-distance routes usually do, but regional trains might not.
Dining Etiquette
Passengers should arrive promptly for their reserved meal times to keep service running smoothly. Polite interaction with staff and fellow travelers helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
Keeping voices low and phones on silent shows respect for others enjoying the meal. It is best to follow the dress code if one exists, as some dining cars encourage smart or casual attire.
Being mindful of the menu and portion sizes avoids food waste. Sharing tables and waiting patiently for your turn to be served also contributes to a good dining experience.
