There are few pleasures as refined as savouring a world-class meal while watching the landscape unfurl beyond your window. On the world’s most luxurious trains, dining becomes more than a meal - it transforms into a destination of its own.
Whether you're traveling through the vineyards of France, the highlands of Scotland or the outback of Australia, each journey is accompanied by dishes as spectacular as the views. From white-gloved service in Art Deco dining cars to regional tasting menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, these trains offer a culinary adventure on rails like no other.
To celebrate the gourmet side of luxury rail travel, we’re taking you on a gastronomic journey, highlighting signature dishes, renowned chefs, and unique dining experiences across the world’s most celebrated luxury trains. Step aboard and discover how gourmet dining elevates the entire experience of luxury train travel - one course, one glass of wine, and one breathtaking view at a time.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Europe’s Most Romantic Dining Car
A rolling tribute to the golden age of travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express whisks you through the heart of Europe-connecting cities like Paris, Venice, and Istanbul in unparalleled style. While the landscapes of France, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe unfold outside, inside you'll be transported to a 1920s dining salon where haute cuisine meets classic refinement.
Signature Experience: Expect white-gloved service, crystal glassware, and a four-course menu curated by Chef Jean Imbert, inspired by local stops from Paris to Istanbul.
Must-Try Dish: Lobster tail with saffron risotto and Provençal vegetables, paired with a rare Bordeaux.
Why It’s Special: Seasonal ingredients are picked up en route, ensuring the menu reflects the soul of each region.
Explore VSOE routes and dining experiences
The Ghan - Australia’s Outback Served with Fine Wine
Crossing the vast Red Centre from Darwin to Adelaide, The Ghan is Australia’s most iconic luxury train-and its culinary offerings are equally unforgettable. As the rugged desert, lush tropics, and sunburnt plains glide past, guests enjoy a vibrant showcase of native ingredients and regional wines.
Signature Experience: The Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves dishes infused with native ingredients-think kangaroo fillet, lemon myrtle panna cotta, and quandong glaze.
Must-Try Dish: Pan-seared barramundi with bush tomato chutney.
Why It’s Special: Every ingredient is sourced from local Australian farms, bringing the Outback to your plate.
Discover The Ghan’s culinary adventure
Royal Scotsman - Scotland’s Culinary Secrets on Rails
Winding through the misty Highlands, lochs, and castles of Scotland, the Royal Scotsman offers a uniquely Scottish journey wrapped in refined comfort. Here, dining is both rustic and regal, with wild game, local seafood, and artisanal cheeses setting the tone for an immersive experience.
Signature Experience: Menus change daily, crafted by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs, featuring game meats, seafood, and artisanal cheeses.
Must-Try Dish: Highland venison with blackcurrant jus, followed by sticky toffee pudding.
Why It’s Special: Guests can enjoy a private whisky tasting from the train’s onboard collection, the largest of any luxury rail.
Experience Scotland's finest cuisine on rails
Maharajas' Express - A Royal Indian Feast in Motion
Traversing India’s regal heartland - from Delhi to Rajasthan and beyond, the Maharajas' Express is as much a culinary tour as it is a cultural one. With menus reflecting the diversity of Indian cuisine-from royal Mughlai dishes to coastal flavors-the journey offers a feast steeped in heritage and hospitality.
Signature Experience: Two ornate restaurants - Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal - serve everything from Awadhi biryanis to Anglo - Indian roast.
Must-Try Dish: Laal Maas with saffron-infused naan, followed by rose-flavored kulfi.
Why It’s Special: The menu is curated to mirror the cultural palette of each destination - from Rajasthan to Varanasi.
Embark on a culinary journey across royal India
Belmond Andean Explorer – Dining at Altitude, Peruvian Style
Winding through the Peruvian Andes between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa, the Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s premier luxury sleeper train. At over 14,000 feet, it delivers high-altitude cuisine that’s both rooted in tradition and elevated by fine-dining finesse.
Signature Experience: Gourmet Andean cuisine is prepared by chefs from Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.
Must-Try Dish: Quinoa-crusted trout with a coca leaf sauce.
Why It’s Special: The ever-changing Andean landscape adds drama to every meal.
Take your tastebuds to the Andes
A Toast to Luxury
Dining on a luxury train is a sensorial experience. The clink of glasses as you pass through ancient valleys, the soft sway of the train, the ambient glow of vintage lamps-it all adds to the drama of dining.
Whether you’re indulging in a 7-course tasting menu or sipping herbal tea by panoramic windows, you’re reminded of one thing: this is travel at its most refined.
How to Book Your Culinary Rail Adventure?
These luxury trains sell out months in advance-especially the ones with gourmet reputations. Book early, mention dietary preferences, and prepare to be wowed at every meal.
For curated bookings and insider tips on the world’s most delicious train journeys, connect with us.
Our luxury travel consultants are dedicated to curating seamless and personalized experiences for every traveler. From arranging premium accommodations, flights, and private transfers, every detail is
meticulously planned.