Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, a celebrated Singapore-based restaurant renowned for its unique fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavors, is set to make its San Diego debut in downtown's evolving waterfront dining scene.
The first San Diego location for Le Shrimp Noodle Bar will open as part of the Research and Development District (RaDD) - a transformative waterfront development spearheaded by IQHQ. The concept brings a unique spin on East Asian noodle culture by blending the flavors of Chinese-style noodles with Japanese-inspired shrimp broth.
The first San Diego location for Le Shrimp Noodle Bar will open as part of the Research and Development District (RaDD) - a transformative waterfront development spearheaded by IQHQ. The concept brings a unique spin on East Asian noodle culture by blending the flavors of Chinese-style noodles with Japanese-inspired shrimp broth.
Already popular across Southeast Asia and with a U.S. presence at the Irvine Spectrum Center, Le Shrimp is the brainchild of Eldwin Chua, CEO of the Singapore-based Paradise Group, which operates more than 140 restaurants throughout the region, including Seafood Paradise, Paradise Inn, Taste Paradise, Paradise Dynasty, KungFu Paradise, Paradise Pavilion, One Paradise and Canton Paradise.
What sets Le Shrimp apart is its signature shrimp broth, developed after Chua was inspired by a ramen shop in Hokkaido. The broth is simmered for hours using fresh prawns, pork bones, and a proprietary blend of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and white peppercorn to deliver deep flavor and the coveted wok hei - "the breath of the wok" - a technique that adds aromatic depth from high-heat stir-frying.
Menu standouts include the Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen, with whole prawns, shrimp balls, and wontons, plus creative additions like Longjing tea lava eggs, chilled tofu in oyster sauce, and crunchy pickled cucumbers. Diners can choose from spicy or black-garlic broths, thin or broad noodles, and a variety of customizable toppings.
Le Shrimp will join a growing lineup of restaurant and retail tenants in RaDD, a $1.6 billion mixed-use life science and hospitality development that spans six city blocks on San Diego’s bayfront. While much of the office space remains unleased, the retail and dining components are showing traction.
In addition to Le Shrimp, the district will also welcome Javier's Finest Food of Mexico, the beloved upscale Mexican concept founded in Laguna Beach and known locally for its UTC location. Set to open at 989 Pacific Highway, Javier’s will bring its polished ambiance, extensive tequila list, and regional specialties to the waterfront.
A short walk away, another major change is taking place: Mastro’s Steakhouse is slated to take over the former Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse space at 901 Bayfront Court. The high-end steakhouse chain - known for wet-aged USDA Prime steaks, seafood towers, and its famed Butter Cake - is expected to open later in 2025, offering another luxury dining option for locals, tourists, and business travelers alike.
The RaDD development, designed by Gensler and located near the InterContinental Hotel and across from U.S.S. Midway at the Embarcadero, has faced scrutiny over its stalled life science leasing and concerns from financial analysts. But the arrival of reputable dining establishments like Le Shrimp and Javier’s suggests that the waterfront’s hospitality and food scene is gaining momentum, even as the broader commercial outlook remains in flux.
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar is expected to open in mid-2026 at 825 Harbor Drive, Suite 105, in Downtown San Diego. For more information, visit paradisegp.com or follow Le Shrimp on Instagram.
Originally published on March 30, 2025.
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar is expected to open in mid-2026 at 825 Harbor Drive, Suite 105, in Downtown San Diego. For more information, visit paradisegp.com or follow Le Shrimp on Instagram.
Originally published on March 30, 2025.
