The Riverhouse Singapore stands as one of Clarke Quay's most distinguished establishments, occupying a beautifully preserved 150-year-old Chinese mansion that serves as one of only two remaining historic Chinese mansions in the area. Built in the 1870s along the banks of the Singapore River, this architectural treasure once served as headquarters for the notorious Ghee Hok Society and now represents a stunning blend of Singapore's rich cultural heritage with contemporary dining and entertainment. Located at 3A River Valley Road, The Riverhouse offers guests an immersive experience where remnants of the past seamlessly integrate with modern luxury and sophistication.
This multi-concept venue houses several distinctive experiences under one roof, including Mimi Restaurant, which serves authentic Cantonese and Teochew cuisine in an atmosphere that pays homage to traditional Chinese flavors and cooking techniques. PULSE serves as the live entertainment destination, offering guests rhythmic nights filled with music and performance, while Yin Bar provides a bustling alfresco setting perfect for riverside drinks and casual dining. The venue's menu features an impressive range from heritage Asian dishes to contemporary fusion cuisine, with popular items including Wagyu Litson Baka, Super Crispy Pata, and innovative cocktails that highlight local flavors and ingredients.
The Riverhouse's strategic location in Clarke Quay Central places it at the heart of Singapore's premier nightlife and dining district, just steps from the Singapore River and surrounded by the area's vibrant entertainment scene. The venue's distinctive Chinese architecture and sultry décor create an atmosphere that perfectly balances tradition with modernity, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. With its scenic riverside views, live entertainment programming, and exceptional culinary offerings, The Riverhouse has established itself as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Singapore's cultural heritage combined with world-class hospitality.
Gorgeous venue, but DON'T HOLD YOUR WEDDING HERE unless you think the anxiety is worth it.
Held my wedding here in April 2023 because my husband and I really fell in love with the place. But if we could do it again? It'll be a hard pass.
Pros-
1) Gorgeous heritage place
2) Lovely for pictures
3) 1 night free stay at Fullerton Hotel
Cons-
1) Horrible planning team. It took them so long to send us our signed contract and deposit invoice.
2) Incredibly slow response, and we had to cc the whole world in an email to get a half-assed reply.
3) Partner vendor for favors and signage was equally terrible... imagine this. They superimposed a font that was unreadable against a complicated background of a picture for the main signage. (?!!!?!?!!)
4) On the day of our wedding, our guests experienced the following:
- Chairs in the outdoor area were wet from previous rain, and some had bird shit, but nobody bothered cleaning them until our groomsmen complained to the wait staff.
- Random service staff not in uniform just walking nonchalantly past the solemnization table WHILE WE WERE IN THE CEREMONY.
- Dusty chairs at the lunch area.
- Cigarette smell from the kitchen on level 2 during lunch.
- Smelly toilets.
- Service staff rushing to clear plates.
- No one bothered to keep track of our wines and credits with the restaurant.
- Main venue coordinator only appeared at the beginning and left before the solemnization even started.
- At the end of the wedding, they didn't let us pack some food. My husband and I didn't eat much and were starving, but the staff were more engrossed in cleaning up the whole area than to check in on us. We just left the place in such an awkward manner.
We were so thankful that we hired Manna Weddings to coordinate our big day. I can't imagine our wedding happening without them.
So brides and grooms-to-be, you decide for yourselves la hor. Sigh pie.
We took a while to get over this trauma lol.
Flora
We had some cocktails here – they were more ice than liquid, a bit of a waste of money.
Positive Reviews
Arvin Wen
Nice ambiance, appropriate AC temperature. Service speed could improve. Food portions could be larger.
Janice Tay
Here's the edited review:
Attended a solemnization at Riverhouse, which was held outdoors due to COVID restrictions. Setting was nice and comfortable. Food was takeaway, again due to restrictions. It was a 5-6 course meal, individually packed for each person, and every dish was delicious, with generous portions. It's too bad we didn't get to go indoors to feel its surroundings. Will try next time when dine-in is allowed!
Weng
We had our wedding here recently. The atmosphere and decor of the place were one of a kind. The wedding planning team and the operations staff were also helpful, and of course, the food was great. We received loads of compliments on the food! We will recommend having your wedding here at The Riverhouse!
Wei Si Chan
Mimi at The Riverhouse Singapore is a modern Chinese restaurant located on Level 2 of the building. Interestingly, The Riverhouse also has an alfresco bar and a nightclub in the building. The food at Mimi is great, and if you like pork and beef, Mimi serves a mean char siew and black pepper beef.
Jade Khor
The Riverhouse is a multi-concept F&B space. I had been upstairs to Mimi for contemporary Chinese lunch, but this is the first time I've visited their ground-floor bar at night. I had such fun listening to the energetic band. There's enough space to dance, with plenty of seats to rest and recharge. A great space to host an event!
Eileen Lee
Went there for a wedding. Quite a different experience compared to the usual wedding dinner. Unfortunately, we could not see the stage due to the layout. But overall, the service was very good and we enjoyed the wedding.
Jaycee
Here's an edited version:
"Great wedding reception. The building itself is a Chinese-style building with a very 1900s, old-school aesthetic. The restaurant is located on level 2. I was surprisingly impressed with the food, as I liked every single dish, especially the soup."
Jackie Tan
I was here for a wedding luncheon. The building's architecture resembles that of an old Chinese house: two levels with a courtyard and an air-well overlooking it. It was very quaint and cozy. However, it's not the best place for a wedding, as the layout restricts movement and views. But almost every table feels like a private corner, making it ideal for a sit-down meal.
Eva Wong
Don't be deceived by the poor reviews; this place is completely transformed for weddings! The arrangement of flowers down the table is gorgeous. I especially enjoyed the first course: black truffle dumplings, char siew, and almond turnover. Dishes were innovative and delightful!
Kian Tan
Definitely one of the most unique venues for weddings or events in Singapore, showcasing traditional architecture, authenticity, and heritage value. Its location is near the Clarke Quay riverside. For events, note that the first-story atrium space can get quite dark around sunset. The second-story space has better lighting, though a few corners are slightly darker. (All photos copyrighted by @KAI_Picture; venue styling by Med Kärlek Inc.)
Alexander Mohan
I sat on the terrace, and there was a live duo playing. The music and drinks were very nice.
Siew Wen Lim
Attended a wedding lunch. Food was so much better than many hotel banquets. 9.5/10 for the food, with 0.5 deducted because the truffle udon was a bit jelat, but still good!
Paul Chin
The Riverhouse Singapore: A Symphony of Karaoke and... Eclectic Interpretations
If you're looking for a place in Singapore where you can unleash your inner pop star and indulge in some decent grub, The Riverhouse might just be your jam. This multi-faceted venue is a delightful mix of karaoke rooms, restaurants, and bars, all wrapped up in a beautifully restored heritage building along the Singapore River.
Let's talk karaoke first. The Riverhouse caters to everyone, from karaoke veterans to those who might be a little pitch-challenged. From cozy private rooms for intimate gatherings to larger spaces perfect for belting out your favorite tunes with a crowd, you'll find a room to suit your vibe. Just be prepared for some unique interpretations of Western pop songs – let's just say the Queen's English might get a bit of a workout.
As for the food, it's definitely decent. The Riverhouse hosts a variety of restaurants, each offering its own culinary experience. From classic Cantonese dishes at Mimi to modern European cuisine at Yin, there's something for everyone. The portions are generous, and the presentation is definitely Instagram-worthy.
But the real star of the show is the atmosphere. The Riverhouse has a relaxed, friendly vibe that's perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion. The staff are attentive, the music is upbeat, and the drinks are flowing.
Of course, no review of The Riverhouse would be complete without mentioning the stunning views of the Singapore River. Whether you're enjoying a meal al fresco or simply soaking up the atmosphere from one of the balconies, the scenery is breathtaking.
So, if you're looking for a place to have a laugh, create some memories, and maybe even discover a hidden singing talent (or a newfound appreciation for creative interpretations of lyrics), The Riverhouse is worth checking out. Just be sure to bring your appetite and a sense of humor!
