Luxury on the Tracks: 10 Iconic Train Dining Cars That Redefine Travel

Dining on a train is more than just eating—it’s an experience. With large windows framing ever-changing landscapes and gourmet meals served with style, luxury dining cars transform travel into something unforgettable. These rolling restaurants combine world-class cuisine with vintage charm or modern elegance, depending on the route and region.

From Europe’s romantic railways to Asia’s opulent lines, the world’s finest train dining cars are destinations in themselves. Here are 10 that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.

🚂 1) Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Grand Gourmet Journey Through Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a legend of rail travel—and its dining cars are at the heart of the experience. As the train winds through Europe’s most scenic routes, guests dine on refined seasonal dishes served in cars that feel like traveling Art Deco salons.

This iconic train boasts three distinct dining cars:

• L’Oriental – sleek and understated
• Étoile du Nord – rich with polished wood and history
• Côte d’Azur – adorned with Lalique glass panels

Menus are crafted by Jean Imbert, a Michelin-starred chef known for his inventive takes on French and European classics. Each meal reflects the region the train is passing through—turning breakfast, lunch, and dinner into a cultural tasting tour.

Elegant service, crystal glassware, and soft lighting make dining aboard the Orient-Express a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For many, it’s the highlight of the journey.

🐪 2) The Ghan: Outback Views and All-Inclusive Australian Flavors

The Ghan offers one of the world’s most unforgettable rail dining experiences—set against the backdrop of Australia’s vast and wild outback. Stretching from Adelaide to Darwin, this iconic train invites guests to explore bold landscapes and bold flavors at the same time.

Meals aboard The Ghan are all-inclusive and rooted in local Australian ingredients. Think: kangaroo fillet, grilled barramundi, wattleseed pavlova, or brioche with native berries. Dining happens in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Cars, where white-linen tables and polished silver meet casual outback charm.

Guests in Gold and Platinum Service can also relax in the Outback Explorer Lounges, where wine and cocktails flow freely and conversations start easily.

Dining on The Ghan is more than a meal—it’s a window into Australia’s culture, nature, and culinary creativity, all while gliding across one of the world’s most rugged continents.

🏴 3) Belmond Royal Scotsman: Highland Flavors in Vintage Elegance

The Belmond Royal Scotsman brings refined dining to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Onboard this luxury train, meals are served in two beautifully restored dining cars: Raven and Victory—the latter dating back to 1945, evoking the charm of a bygone era.

Diners are treated to a seasonal menu built around fresh, local Scottish ingredients—like river-caught salmon, wild game, and tender Aberdeen Angus beef. Each course is paired with fine wines, handpicked to enhance the experience.

Surroundings are as memorable as the meals. Rich mahogany paneling, soft lighting, and crisp linens create a warm, club-like atmosphere. While the scenery rolls past—lochs, castles, and misty hills—guests enjoy a slow, thoughtful pace that blends fine dining with storytelling.

On the Royal Scotsman, every meal feels like a celebration of Scotland—its land, traditions, and hospitality.

🚞 4) Glacier Express: Alpine Dining with a View

The Glacier Express delivers one of the most scenic train journeys in the world—and its dining experience matches the view. Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this eight-hour ride takes passengers through the heart of the Swiss Alps, past glaciers, deep valleys, and postcard-perfect villages.

Onboard, guests can enjoy locally inspired dishes, such as rösti, Alpine cheeses, or hearty stews. Meals are prepared fresh and often paired with Swiss touches like dried pear bread or regional wines. In standard class, food and drink are available for purchase and served at your seat.

For travelers seeking indulgence, Excellence Class offers a refined five-course tasting menu, a private bar, and panoramic single-row seating for uninterrupted views. It’s a calm, elevated way to dine—where each dish is served with white-glove precision and mountain backdrops.

Combining slow travel, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, the Glacier Express is a journey where the dining car becomes part of the destination.

🏔️ 5) Denali Star: Scenic Dining Across Alaska’s Wild Frontier

The Denali Star offers one of the most breathtaking train rides in North America, traveling between Anchorage and Fairbanks with views of glaciers, forests, and Denali National Park. The real star of the journey—besides the scenery—is the GoldStar dining experience.

GoldStar passengers enjoy meals in a full-service dining car, located just below the glass-domed viewing area. The food is included with the ticket and served in a relaxed, scenic setting. Think hearty breakfasts, local Alaskan seafood, and filling entrees that match the rugged surroundings.

For travelers in other classes, the Wilderness Café provides casual dining with grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, and drinks—perfect for those who want something quick between photo ops.

The friendly service and down-to-earth menu reflect the spirit of the Alaskan adventure. While it’s not fine dining, the real luxury is pairing a hot meal with window views of moose, rivers, and the vast Alaskan wilderness.

🍱 6) Seven Stars Kyushu: Refined Dining Aboard Japan’s Most Elegant Train

The Seven Stars in Kyushu redefines rail travel with its artful blend of luxury, tradition, and scenic beauty. This exclusive Japanese train offers a dining experience that is as thoughtfully crafted as its elegant wood interiors and panoramic windows.

Meals are served in a beautifully appointed dining car, where every seat offers sweeping views of Kyushu’s coastlines, mountains, and countryside. The food showcases the best of local Japanese cuisine, prepared by renowned regional chefs and presented with minimalist elegance.

The train offers two curated journeys:

• A 2-day, 1-night trip, and
• A 4-day, 3-night grand tour of the island.
  Both include full-course meals that change with the seasons, using fresh local seafood, vegetables, wagyu beef, and handmade sweets.

Dining aboard Seven Stars feels more like a serene retreat than a train ride. The balance of precision, hospitality, and quiet beauty creates a culinary experience that reflects the essence of Japan—refined, respectful, and unforgettable.

🏔️ 7) Belmond Andean Explorer: Gourmet Dining Through the Peruvian Highlands

The Belmond Andean Explorer offers one of the world’s highest-altitude rail dining experiences—luxury meals served aboard a train gliding through the Andes.

With two elegant dining cars, passengers are treated to colorful, high-altitude cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients sourced from the Peruvian mountains. Think fresh trout, native potatoes, and Andean herbs—all plated with modern flair.

Meals are only part of the experience. Guests can sip cocktails in the bar car, watch sunlit peaks from the observation lounge, or enjoy live piano music in the softly lit lounge car.

Everything about the Andean Explorer is designed to blend relaxation with refined comfort. Whether enjoying breakfast with a mountain view or a candlelit dinner under starry skies, dining here is a sensory journey through Peru’s landscape and culture.

🏞️ 8) Rocky Mountaineer: Scenic Dining Across the Canadian Rockies

Rocky Mountaineer transforms train dining into a culinary journey through breathtaking landscapes. With panoramic windows in every dining car, guests enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine while watching the Canadian Rockies unfold outside.

There are two service levels:

• GoldLeaf: Features a luxurious bi-level glass-domed coach with a dedicated dining area below.
• SilverLeaf: Offers meals served at your seat with large picture windows for unobstructed views.

Menus highlight regional Canadian flavors—think Alberta beef, wild salmon, and locally grown vegetables—served with warmth and elegance. From hot breakfasts to three-course lunches, each meal is crafted to reflect the landscape beyond your window.

Though there are no sleeper cars, guests stay in hand-selected hotels at each overnight stop. This rhythm of daytime travel and restful nights keeps the experience relaxing and refreshing.

Dining aboard the Rocky Mountaineer blends comfort, quality, and scenery, making it a favorite for travelers who want to savor every bite and every mile.

🚋 9) Eastern & Oriental Express: Southeast Asian Fine Dining on Rails

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers an elegant dining journey through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, blending culinary excellence with panoramic views.

This luxury train features three beautifully appointed dining cars, with two in use per trip to accommodate flexible lunch and dinner seatings. Passengers can choose from two sittings for each meal, making dining both relaxed and convenient.

The menus are crafted by Chef André Chiang, a two-Michelin-starred chef, known for combining tradition and creativity. Expect refined Southeast Asian flavors made from fresh local ingredients—from Thai curries to Malaysian-inspired seafood dishes, every plate tells a story.

Between meals, guests can unwind in the Observation Car, which includes a bar, lounge, and an open-air teak deck. It’s the perfect setting for sipping a cocktail or enjoying the landscape in peace.

Dining on the Eastern & Oriental Express is more than just a meal—it’s a sensory journey that celebrates the rich cultures and cuisines of the region, wrapped in timeless railcar elegance.

🚆 10) Blue Train South Africa: Luxury Dining with Local Flavor

The Blue Train is one of South Africa’s most iconic luxury trains, offering a refined dining experience that matches its reputation for elegance and style.

The dining car seats 42 guests and features fine bone china, silver cutlery, and crystal glassware, creating a formal yet welcoming setting. Guests are encouraged to dress up for dinner, enhancing the feeling of occasion and sophistication.

The menu changes often, with dishes that highlight South African ingredients and culinary traditions. Diners might enjoy Karoo lamb, ostrich fillet, or venison, all beautifully plated and paired with local wines. Each course is carefully crafted and served in true fine-dining style.

In the evening, the bar lounge car comes alive. It’s a favorite place to unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail, often accompanied by conversation and live music. The combination of world-class cuisine, relaxed luxury, and scenic views makes dining on the Blue Train a memorable highlight of the journey.

🍽️ What Makes a Great Dining Car Experience

A great dining car experience combines thoughtful atmosphere, flavorful cuisine, and attentive service. When these elements work together, they turn a simple meal into a highlight of the journey. Comfort, care, and quality transform dining into a memorable part of the ride.

🌆 Atmosphere and Ambiance

The setting sets the mood. Soft lighting, polished wood finishes, and plush seating create a welcoming and elegant environment. Panoramic windows offer breathtaking views, letting guests enjoy both their meal and the ever-changing scenery.

Sound plays a quiet role—whether it’s the soothing rhythm of the rails or soft background music, it adds to the overall sense of calm. Clean, well-kept surroundings show attention to detail and help travelers feel appreciated.

Smart layout and spacing also matter. Tables are arranged for comfort and privacy, allowing easy conversation and movement. Altogether, these details ensure a space where guests can relax, dine, and enjoy the journey in style.

🚆 Tips for Enjoying Dining Cars

Dining on a train can be one of the highlights of the journey—but a bit of planning and etiquette can make the experience even better. From securing a reservation to knowing how to act, these tips help you get the most out of your mealtime on the rails.

🧾 Booking Recommendations

To avoid disappointment, reserve your dining car seats in advance, especially on popular or long-distance routes. Some trains require pre-booking for specific meal times—check when you book your tickets or speak with the onboard staff once you board.

Meals are often included only in premium ticket classes; otherwise, they may be paid for separately. If you’re unsure, the dining car steward can provide details about menus, prices, and service hours. Many trains also have café or snack cars open outside of regular meal times.

Not every route includes a dining car, so it’s smart to review your train’s onboard amenities before departure. Luxury and overnight trains usually offer full service, while regional or commuter trains may not.

🍽️ Dining Etiquette on the Rails

Being courteous in the dining car goes a long way. Arrive on time for your reservation to keep things running smoothly. Greet the staff politely, and remember that fellow diners are sharing the space with you.

Keep conversations soft, set your phone to silent, and follow any posted dress codes—some trains encourage smart-casual attire to preserve the ambiance.

If you’re seated with others, share the table respectfully, and don’t linger too long during peak times. Ordering reasonably and avoiding food waste shows consideration for both the staff and fellow travelers.