Ive had the vegan ramen a few times & it's super tasty. Recently I tried one of their vegan gyoza and it was to die for! They served it w plenty of sauce which I appreciate. Can't wait to go back
Jonnathan A.
I went to full steam dumpling after Chef Andy came to one of my classes and took time out of his day to teach us how he makes dumplings just like how he does at his restaurant. He was so friendly and welcoming to everyone so I had to check out the restaurant. The place itself is in the middle of a lively location with lots of events happening. The family and I went on trivia night so of course it was bound to be busy but still enjoyed the experience. The prices were on the pricier side but the taste and quality were worth it. Understanding what goes into making a single portion of food the prices are reasonable.
Ross Heyman
I don’t review things often, but this place deserves a review. The chef is an artist. We have eaten at Full Steam many times, gone to pop-ups, and farmers markets. His food is amazing. It isn’t traditional, it is leveled up. Yes, it ain’t cheap. Every time I pay I cringe a bit. But then when I eat I remember why it costs what it does. The broths are complex. The dumplings are robust. And the side gigs like his Pho pop up and Bahn Mi are special. And weird hack, I’m not a vegetarian at all, but some of the vegetarian dishes are better than his meat dishes. I hope they keep at it. As a foodie I think Full Steam is an important part of making SC a great place to live.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Clover E.
Loved their red oil dumplings at the Live Oak Farners Market, so we were gratified to find them on the menu of their brick and mortar place. we have been in maybe three times in the last few years and found some dishes better than others; perhaps our inadequate knowledge of the menu. When we ask the ant the order counter for advice, we get good info. We bring friends so we get a large variety of dishes and good drinks. The setting is rough and ready, very casual. We always eat outside on the patio.
Chase M.
Everything we've ordered from here has been exceptional! The kimchi is to die for but be prepared for a spicy meal.
Patti B.
So good! Love the vegan miso ramen and the chili oil dumplings are my current craving.
Nathan F.
The dining experience went full steam ahead! My UC Santa Cruz friend recommended me this place and I was immediately blown away. Connected with the 11th hour and verve coffee, the interior of the restaurant was filled with greenery at every turn. There was a bar serving cocktails alongside a table where we could place our orders with a server. Since it was a Saturday night, the restaurant was playing 2000s and 2010s music; they even hired a jazz saxophone player to perform in the outdoor seating in the restaurant. The thing that stood out to me the most was truly the mix of vibes. Even on a Saturday night, you can see students doing work on their laptops, families just enjoying a night out, and young adults drinking cocktails and feeling the music. I never thought I would see people coming to this one restaurant for completely different kinds of purposes. Despite my praise for the ambiance, I gave it a 4-star because of the food. I got the Ponzu Noodle, and I'd have to say, the dish was pretty expensive for how much the portions were. I understand it was an Asian fusion restaurant and I'm not going to get authentic Chinese food portions like I'm used to, but I was left unsatisfied after I ate my food. The cocktails were amazing, though!
Erica B.
Great environment, food excellent, people very nice. Somewhat limited menu. You can get cocktails in the same space, but a different business.
Andy Ng
I've had Full Steam a few times now and have loved their food and service. They are situated here at 11th Hour on most days as a special pop-up kitchen, and am glad to see them doing well.I ordered their Vegan Gyoza which are made from mushrooms, tofu, and veggies, laid over with their own chili oil that brings out a lot of flavor. The dumplings were pan fried to perfection and were really delicious. I highly recommend trying the mushroom ones even if you eat meat.Although I love their food offerings, I can't deny that $14 for five dumplings seems to be on the higher side of things. They are indeed delicious and probably the best homemade dumplings you'll find in Santa Cruz, but to pay almost $20 for the meal including tip is a bit steep.Definitely a "once in a while" type of spot for me. Next time I'll try their vegan ramen which looked creamy and delicious.Vegetarian options: Vegan Ramen, Vegan Gyoza, Mushroom Baos
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
lovekirtan44
LOVED THE DUMPLINGS LOVED THE RAMEN ?? AWESOME FOOD!!!
I've had Full Steam a few times now and have loved their food and service. They are situated here at 11th Hour on most days as a special pop-up kitchen, and am glad to see them doing well.I ordered their Vegan Gyoza which are made from mushrooms, tofu, and veggies, laid over with their own chili oil that brings out a lot of flavor. The dumplings were pan fried to perfection and were really delicious. I highly recommend trying the mushroom ones even if you eat meat.Although I love their food offerings, I can't deny that $14 for five dumplings seems to be on the higher side of things. They are indeed delicious and probably the best homemade dumplings you'll find in Santa Cruz, but to pay almost $20 for the meal including tip is a bit steep.Definitely a "once in a while" type of spot for me. Next time I'll try their vegan ramen which looked creamy and delicious.
Gabe Friedman
Unexpectedly, unbelievably good. We had chicken ramen, vegan ramen, chicken/leek gyoza, and mushroom bao. The ramen is outstanding.Seriously, cannot wait to eat here again.
Food: 5
Leslie H.
Hey SC vegans, this place rocks!! Get the ramen, get the dumplings, you won't be sorry!
Shawn Orgel-Olson
Awesome food with local ingredients.
Skylaire H.
Wasn't sure if it was in the building or not but you have your walk through a coffee shop or there's an entrance on the back street as well. Food was pretty bomb, everything tasted great and didn't wait too long, we also got there right before a giant rush and was pretty busy when we left. We ordered the warm ponzu noodles, shio tonkotsu, pork &scallion gyoza, and red oil dumplings.
Ive had the vegan ramen a few times & it's super tasty. Recently I tried one of their vegan gyoza and it was to die for! They served it w plenty of sauce which I appreciate. Can't wait to go back
I went to full steam dumpling after Chef Andy came to one of my classes and took time out of his day to teach us how he makes dumplings just like how he does at his restaurant. He was so friendly and welcoming to everyone so I had to check out the restaurant. The place itself is in the middle of a lively location with lots of events happening. The family and I went on trivia night so of course it was bound to be busy but still enjoyed the experience. The prices were on the pricier side but the taste and quality were worth it. Understanding what goes into making a single portion of food the prices are reasonable.
I don’t review things often, but this place deserves a review. The chef is an artist. We have eaten at Full Steam many times, gone to pop-ups, and farmers markets. His food is amazing. It isn’t traditional, it is leveled up. Yes, it ain’t cheap. Every time I pay I cringe a bit. But then when I eat I remember why it costs what it does. The broths are complex. The dumplings are robust. And the side gigs like his Pho pop up and Bahn Mi are special. And weird hack, I’m not a vegetarian at all, but some of the vegetarian dishes are better than his meat dishes. I hope they keep at it. As a foodie I think Full Steam is an important part of making SC a great place to live.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Loved their red oil dumplings at the Live Oak Farners Market, so we were gratified to find them on the menu of their brick and mortar place. we have been in maybe three times in the last few years and found some dishes better than others; perhaps our inadequate knowledge of the menu. When we ask the ant the order counter for advice, we get good info. We bring friends so we get a large variety of dishes and good drinks. The setting is rough and ready, very casual. We always eat outside on the patio.
Everything we've ordered from here has been exceptional! The kimchi is to die for but be prepared for a spicy meal.
So good! Love the vegan miso ramen and the chili oil dumplings are my current craving.
The dining experience went full steam ahead! My UC Santa Cruz friend recommended me this place and I was immediately blown away. Connected with the 11th hour and verve coffee, the interior of the restaurant was filled with greenery at every turn. There was a bar serving cocktails alongside a table where we could place our orders with a server. Since it was a Saturday night, the restaurant was playing 2000s and 2010s music; they even hired a jazz saxophone player to perform in the outdoor seating in the restaurant. The thing that stood out to me the most was truly the mix of vibes. Even on a Saturday night, you can see students doing work on their laptops, families just enjoying a night out, and young adults drinking cocktails and feeling the music. I never thought I would see people coming to this one restaurant for completely different kinds of purposes. Despite my praise for the ambiance, I gave it a 4-star because of the food. I got the Ponzu Noodle, and I'd have to say, the dish was pretty expensive for how much the portions were. I understand it was an Asian fusion restaurant and I'm not going to get authentic Chinese food portions like I'm used to, but I was left unsatisfied after I ate my food. The cocktails were amazing, though!
Great environment, food excellent, people very nice. Somewhat limited menu. You can get cocktails in the same space, but a different business.
I've had Full Steam a few times now and have loved their food and service. They are situated here at 11th Hour on most days as a special pop-up kitchen, and am glad to see them doing well.I ordered their Vegan Gyoza which are made from mushrooms, tofu, and veggies, laid over with their own chili oil that brings out a lot of flavor. The dumplings were pan fried to perfection and were really delicious. I highly recommend trying the mushroom ones even if you eat meat.Although I love their food offerings, I can't deny that $14 for five dumplings seems to be on the higher side of things. They are indeed delicious and probably the best homemade dumplings you'll find in Santa Cruz, but to pay almost $20 for the meal including tip is a bit steep.Definitely a "once in a while" type of spot for me. Next time I'll try their vegan ramen which looked creamy and delicious.Vegetarian options: Vegan Ramen, Vegan Gyoza, Mushroom Baos
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
LOVED THE DUMPLINGS LOVED THE RAMEN ?? AWESOME FOOD!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I've had Full Steam a few times now and have loved their food and service. They are situated here at 11th Hour on most days as a special pop-up kitchen, and am glad to see them doing well.I ordered their Vegan Gyoza which are made from mushrooms, tofu, and veggies, laid over with their own chili oil that brings out a lot of flavor. The dumplings were pan fried to perfection and were really delicious. I highly recommend trying the mushroom ones even if you eat meat.Although I love their food offerings, I can't deny that $14 for five dumplings seems to be on the higher side of things. They are indeed delicious and probably the best homemade dumplings you'll find in Santa Cruz, but to pay almost $20 for the meal including tip is a bit steep.Definitely a "once in a while" type of spot for me. Next time I'll try their vegan ramen which looked creamy and delicious.
Unexpectedly, unbelievably good. We had chicken ramen, vegan ramen, chicken/leek gyoza, and mushroom bao. The ramen is outstanding.Seriously, cannot wait to eat here again.
Food: 5
Hey SC vegans, this place rocks!! Get the ramen, get the dumplings, you won't be sorry!
Awesome food with local ingredients.
Wasn't sure if it was in the building or not but you have your walk through a coffee shop or there's an entrance on the back street as well. Food was pretty bomb, everything tasted great and didn't wait too long, we also got there right before a giant rush and was pretty busy when we left. We ordered the warm ponzu noodles, shio tonkotsu, pork &scallion gyoza, and red oil dumplings.