Amtrak's Acela First Class gets a gourmet autumn upgrade with three new dishes

Amtrak is updating its Acela First Class menu for autumn and winter. Three new dishes will be added, offering passengers more premium dining news. The service runs on the busy Northeast Corridor, linking Washington, D.C. to Boston with stops in seven major cities.

The Acela is an all-business and first-class train, with no standard economy seating. First-class travellers receive personalised service, including a dedicated attendant for meals and drinks—much like an airline experience.

The new menu items include Lobster Mac & Cheese, Beef Bourguignon, and Tropez Salad. These dishes will change every three weeks, giving regular passengers variety throughout the season.

Acela trains operate daily between Washington, D.C. and Boston. Along the way, they stop at Baltimore (BWI Airport or Penn Station), Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, Newark, New York (Penn Station), and New Haven. The route serves as a key link for business and leisure travellers in the northeast.

While Acela offers a premium experience, fares can be steep. A one-way ticket sometimes costs up to $500. To help manage expenses, Amtrak provides discounts through its Night Owl sale, occasional flash sales, and Guest Rewards points. These points can be redeemed for travel, with each worth between 0.8 and 3 cents.

The updated menu aims to enhance the first-class journey for Acela passengers. With regular rotations and a dedicated service, the dining experience mirrors the train's focus on comfort and quality. Travellers looking for savings can still take advantage of promotions and reward programmes to offset the higher ticket prices.