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Sunny Blue
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sunny Blue
8.1
California's pioneering omusubi specialist crafts Japanese rice balls fresh daily with unexpected fillings like curry chicken and spicy salmon. The eco-conscious counter-service spot transforms grab-and-go into an art form with rice balls wrapped in crispy nori.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Omusubi, Spicy Salmon Omusubi, Miso Beef Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: First and only dedicated omusubi shop in Southern California since 2010
Who should go: Beach-goers, health-conscious eaters, on-the-go crowd
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend waits
What to order: Try miso mushroom, curry chicken, and spicy tuna
Insider tip: Limited seating - plan for takeout or outdoor bench
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street with 2-hour meters, public lot half block south on Hill Street
Dress code: Ultra casual - beachwear and gym clothes totally fine
Noise level: Quiet counter service - minimal ambient noise, peaceful
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, no seating wait (mostly takeout)
Weekday lunch: Quick 2-5 min - efficient grab-and-go system
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent selection including miso mushroom, hijiki seaweed, umeboshi plum
Vegan options: Yes - multiple options with vegetable and seaweed fillings, specify no mayo
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice balls themselves are GF but cross-contact possible, ask about specific fillings
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - limited seating and casual grab-and-go format doesn't create romantic atmosphere. Better for active dates (beach walk after) or casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service. Indoor seating is 3-4 stools only, most customers take to beach or nearby benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - quick service, affordable, fun hand-held format. Great pre/post-beach fuel for families. No high chairs due to limited space.
How long does the food stay fresh? Best within 3-4 hours - nori gets less crispy over time. Made fresh daily, perfect for beach day fuel but not overnight storage.
Is this actually filling or just a snack? 2-3 rice balls make a satisfying meal for most people. Each is palm-sized with dense rice and protein. Order 2 to start, grab more if needed.
Best For
Better for: Healthy grab-and-go near beach, authentic Japanese rice balls, eco-conscious dining, unique California-Japanese fusion flavors, budget lunch under $12
Skip if: You want table service, romantic atmosphere, traditional sit-down meal, or need guaranteed indoor seating during peak beach season
Sunny Blue
8.0
Southern California's pioneering omusubi shop crafts traditional Japanese rice balls with creative fillings like miso beef and spicy salmon. Quick counter-service format makes this Main Street spot perfect for grab-and-go meals or light family lunches under $10 per person.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Beef Omusubi, Spicy Salmon, Chicken Curry
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: First and only dedicated omusubi shop in Southern California
Who should go: Families seeking quick, healthy Japanese rice ball meals
When to visit: Lunch for freshest daily-made omusubi selection
What to order: Miso beef, spicy tuna, any side salad
Insider tip: Very limited seating; best for takeout
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Main Street with 2-hour limit; small public lot behind building
Dress code: Ultra casual - workout clothes, beach attire totally fine
Noise level: Quiet counter-service - minimal ambient noise, no music
Weekend wait: Closed evenings - lunch only operation
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during peak (12-1pm), otherwise no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 veggie omusubi options including umeboshi and pickled radish
Vegan options: Yes - several rice balls with vegetable/pickle fillings, no animal products
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice balls are GF but soy sauce marinades contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter-service format with minimal seating feels transactional. Better as a casual second or third date grab-and-go before beach walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - pure counter service with 2-3 small tables. Most customers take their omusubi to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for kids - simple rice ball format, nothing messy, naturally finger food. Great for picky eaters and lunch boxes. All ages welcome.
How long does a meal here take? 15-20 minutes total if eating in, 5 minutes if grabbing to-go. Omusubi are pre-made and ready at counter.
Is this actually filling? Each rice ball is substantial - 2 omusubi fills most people, 3 satisfies bigger appetites. Add miso soup and side salad for complete meal under $12.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Japanese rice balls at unbeatable prices, grab-and-go convenience, introducing kids to Japanese food, healthy fast-casual lunch under $10
Skip if: You want sit-down service with ambiance, need dinner hours (closes mid-afternoon), prefer hot entrees over room-temperature rice balls, want variety beyond omusubi format