Looking for the Best Food and Restaurants Near Asian Civilisations Museum Complete so you can plan a full day of Asian art, river views and great dining? As someone who has spent years working and viewing homes around Empress Place and the Civic District, I can confirm you’re in one of Singapore’s richest areas for both culture and food – and with a bit of planning, you can eat very well within a 2–10 minute walk of ACM.
This focused Homejourney guide zooms in on dining around the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and Empress Place, and links back to our main ACM visiting guide Asian Civilisations Museum Complete Guide: Safe, Smart Visiting with Homejourney . You’ll find trusted, safety‑first recommendations with real walking times, typical prices, and insider tips that locals use when planning viewings and meals in the CBD and Civic District.
Quick Answer: Best Food and Restaurants Near Asian Civilisations Museum
If you only remember one thing: the best all‑round options next to ACM are Empress (modern Chinese), Privé ACM (casual all‑day café with river views), and a short walk across the river to Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel for a more upscale buffet and à la carte experience.[1][2][5][6][8] All are within about 2–8 minutes’ walk from ACM and are widely used by nearby office workers, museum staff and residents in the area.
Below is a deeper, safety‑focused guide so you can match the right restaurant to your itinerary, budget and group – whether you’re a first‑time visitor, business traveller between meetings, or exploring the Civic District while also viewing nearby properties with Homejourney.
Why Eat Around Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)?
ACM sits in a prime riverside location at 1 Empress Place, at the edge of the CBD, Boat Quay and the Civic District. That means you’re surrounded by:
- Heritage buildings (ACM, Victoria Theatre, National Gallery Singapore)
- Waterfront dining along the Singapore River
- Some of Singapore’s most iconic hotels like The Fullerton
For property seekers, this food corridor from Empress Place to Boat Quay and Raffles Place is also where you get a real feel of the CBD lifestyle before shortlisting homes with Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search . Staying or living nearby means you can step out from your apartment or hotel and be at the river or a museum‑side café in under 10 minutes.
Essential Info: Getting to ACM and Its Dining Cluster
Address: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555[6][8]
How to get there (and to nearby restaurants):
- MRT: Take the East‑West Line or North‑South Line to Raffles Place MRT, use Exit H towards Boat Quay/Singapore River. Walk about 6–8 minutes along the river to ACM and Empress Place restaurants.
- Alternative MRT: City Hall MRT (North‑South / East‑West Line), walk 8–10 minutes via St Andrew’s Road and the Padang.
- Bus: Multiple services stop along Connaught Drive, Fullerton Road and North Bridge Road. Use LTA’s Journey Planner (official) to confirm latest bus numbers.
- Taxi / Private hire: Drop‑off at ACM driveway or The Fullerton Hotel; both are 2–5 minutes’ walk to most venues mentioned here.
ACM opening hours (for planning meal + museum): As of late 2025, ACM is typically open from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily, and up to 9:00pm on some Fridays. Always verify latest hours and ticket prices via the official National Heritage Board / ACM website and our dedicated ticket guide ACM Tickets, Prices & Hours: Homejourney's Complete Guide .[6][8]
Best time to visit and eat nearby:
- Late morning ACM visit (10:00am–12:30pm), followed by lunch at Empress or Privé ACM.
- Late afternoon ACM visit, then catch golden‑hour river views and dinner at Boat Quay or The Fullerton.
Top 3 Restaurants Right Beside ACM (0–2 Minutes Walk)
These options are literally next door – perfect if you’re visiting with kids, elderly parents or carrying shopping, and want minimal walking in the heat.
1. Empress – Modern Chinese at ACM Itself
Location: Ground level of Asian Civilisations Museum, facing the Singapore River.[1][6]
Walking time from ACM galleries: 1–2 minutes (same building).
Cuisine & vibe: Smart‑casual Chinese with roast meats, dim sum and sharing plates in a contemporary setting with indoor and alfresco seating by the water.[1][6][8]
Price range (approx.): Around S$25–S$40 per person for lunch if sharing dishes; dinner can be S$40–S$70+ depending on drinks and premium dishes. (Indicative based on 2025 menus; check the latest on their official site or reservation platforms.)
Why locals and nearby office workers like it:
- Reliable quality and service – often used for business lunches after meetings at nearby offices.
- Good balance between classic Cantonese flavours and modern plating.
- Alfresco deck with Singapore River views helps you cool down after time in air‑conditioned galleries.
Insider tips from the ground:
- Reservations are highly recommended during weekday lunch (12:30pm–2:00pm) and weekend dinners.
- Ask for riverfront alfresco seating if the weather is cloudy – it’s one of the more pleasant spots for people‑watching between Boat Quay and the CBD skyline.[1][6]
- If you’re doing home viewings in the CBD area with your Homejourney agent, Empress is a great midpoint for a comfortable, air‑conditioned debrief.
2. Privé ACM – Casual All‑Day Dining with River Views
Location: Empress Place building, ground level, just outside ACM.[5][8]
Walking time from ACM: 1–2 minutes.
Cuisine & vibe: Casual café/bar serving Western and Asian dishes, brunch items, burgers, salads, kids’ menu and drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating facing the river.[5][8]
Price range (approx.): Mains usually around S$18–S$30, with coffee around S$5–S$8; alcoholic drinks higher. Expect S$25–S$40 per person for a full meal excluding alcohol.
Best for:
- Families with kids – wide menu and fuss‑free service.
- Solo travellers or business visitors who want a laptop‑friendly stopping point between meetings.
- Groups mixing dietary preferences (vegetarian, lighter bites, classic Western).
Insider tips:
- Come slightly before noon on weekends if you want a shaded outdoor table with river views.
- Sun can be strong between 1:00pm–3:00pm; pick indoor air‑con seating if you’re travelling with older parents or young children.
- Privé ACM is also a convenient spot to review property listings you’ve shortlisted via Homejourney’s projects directory on your phone Projects Directory .
3. On‑Site Café & Bakery Options at ACM
ACM and Empress Place are progressively adding casual café options (including a cosy artisan bakery and café concept with river views).[8] These are ideal if you just need a coffee, pastry or light bite between galleries rather than a full sit‑down meal.
Why they’re useful:
- No need to leave the building in bad weather.
- Good for quick meet‑ups before or after museum tours.
- Safer and simpler if you’re supervising kids or elderly relatives – the paths are flat, and seating is close to restrooms inside ACM.
