Blue Ocean / Harumama

Blue Ocean / Harumama perches on Prospect Street with a seaside arrogance. You sit by a window and the conversation is often drowned out by gulls and the low, distant bark of sea lions; plates arrive with the funk of ocean wrapped in rice. The Me So Hot ramen arrives steaming, the broth bright, spicy, and slick with pork fat; the pork belly bao is pillowy and lacquered, an easy little sin. Families come for the character Nutella buns, couples for the omakase box stacked with uni and toro, and locals come back because the fish is cleaned and salted right. It is loud when full, and you will likely stand in line if you want the view at midday. Ask for a window table, and if you get the uni, note how it tastes of clean tide and a hint of meadow sweetness.