Al Dente Ristorante
Last inspected: May 15, 2025
58
Score
Going back to 2023, Al Dente Ristorante has nine inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from May 15, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 11 violations lately compared to roughly eight violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “outside receptacles”, which has been cited nine times.
Restaurants in Boston average 86, so Al Dente Ristorante trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 15, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all visible soils on both sides of all cutting boards in the kitchen where needed- if there are deep lacerations that can not be cleaned properly - replace where needed - soakl them overnight with a higher concentration of ppm sanitizer / bleach to assist with the issue
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: No visible signs of rodent activity inside the restaurant at this time however there are visible dropping sites in the alleyway where the open dumpster is located - address
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: The lid to the dumpster is now missing completely - replace [ highly recommending you contact your waste removal company and have the entire dumpster replaced }
590.005/5-501.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors and walls throughout the kitchen behind the walls of the hand sink and all other areas containing visibkle food spills sgtaikns and soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both your current food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site [ ensure the names match ]
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: No new dumpster on site - needs to be replaced or provide a new lid
590.005/5-501.15-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Clean underneath and around the dumpster from some loose debris and visible rodent droppings
590.005/5-501.115-C
Equipment clothes washers dryers and storage cabinets contamination prevention location (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled linen / aprons being stored outside in the alleyway will be a draw for rodents if not properly covered - address and / or relocate if needed
590.004/4-401.11-C1
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Tighten up any exposed cracks in the concrete along the back walls of the driceway / trash area
590.006/6-501.111-C
58
May 9, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: No visible signs of rodent activity inside the restaurant at this time however there are visible dropping sites in the alleyway where the open dumpster is located - address
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all visible soils on both sides of all cutting boards in the kitchen where needed- if there are deep lacerations that can not be cleaned properly - replace where needed - soakl them overnight with a higher concentration of ppm sanitizer / bleach to assist with the issue
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: The lid to the dumpster is now missing completely - replace [ highly recommending you contact your waste removal company and have the entire dumpster replaced }
590.005/5-501.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors and walls throughout the kitchen behind the walls of the hand sink and all other areas containing visibkle food spills sgtaikns and soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Equipment clothes washers dryers and storage cabinets contamination prevention location (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled linen / aprons being stored outside in the alleyway will be a draw for rodents if not properly covered - address and / or relocate if needed
590.004/4-401.11-C1
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Clean underneath and around the dumpster from some loose debris and visible rodent droppings
590.005/5-501.115-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both your current food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site [ ensure the names match ]
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
64
Feb 24, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Ensure all raw shell eggs and raw poultry are being stored underneath all other protiens and ready to eat foods - best to keep segragated completely if possible with an entire seperate cold holding unit operating at 41F and / or under
590.003/3-302.11-P
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: Discontinue placing soiled utensils pots or pans inside the basin of the " only " hand sink in the prep area
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Chlorine test strips needed
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store clean knives in between soiled equipment - store in a clean dry and safe location and not in between soiled wires and soiled areas against the soiled sections of the walls behind equipment
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all common surfaces in the kitchen on a daily basis to remove visible soils
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the alleyway to remove all loose trash and debris
590.005/5-501.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: All prep chefs working with foods need to have on proper hair restraints when working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Keep the lid closed after use on all trash receptacles and dumpsters
590.005/5-501.113-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post current copies of both the food safety and allergen awareness certificates inside the restaurant [ with matching signatures ]
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Area enclosures and receptacles good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Check side doors on the dumpsters to ensure they can close all the way
590.005/5-501.111-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean all rusted and odorous areas where needed
590.005/5-402.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
590.003/3-304.14-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discard all wooden spoons with splintered edges
590.004/4-101.17-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths scattered around the kitchen area after use - store as discussed
590.004/4-901.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Place the " Hand washing only " signage above the designated hand sink in the kitchen / prep area
590.006/6-301.14-C
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: Resurface all visibly compromised sections of the walls and ceiling where needed - above the prep counter tops next to the cooking line
590.006/6-201.16-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Relocate all low hanging wires covered in grime that are above the food prep areas- clean to remove all visible soils
590.006/6-201.17-C
33
Aug 28, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity around the dumpster area as well as a visible rodent sighting - address the issue with your professionally licensed pest control company as discussed during inspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove any and all loose trash and debris in the alleyway around the dumpster and grease receptacle - remove the empty and unanchored CO-2 tanks in the alleyway
590.006/6-501.114-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Lid to the dumpster was wide open and not closed properly after use - close the lids tightly after the dumpster has been emptied each time by trash removal company - then clean inside the basin as well as the exterior of the dumpster to remove residue and obnoxious odors
590.005/5-501.113-C
82
Aug 21, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs are being stored directly above freshly cut produce in the two door steel fridge inside the kitchen - discontinue practices and store as discussed
590.003/3-302.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidenve of rodent droppings around trhe dumpsters behind the restaurant in the common alleyway - address with an IPM report from your licensed pest control company as discussed
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity around the dumpster area as well as a visible rodent sighting - address the issue with your professionally licensed pest control company as discussed during inspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing the entire "Consumer Advisory " on the newly printed menu's - address immediately
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace the compromised white cutting boards where needed of each sandwich refrigeration unit-cannot be cleaned properly anymore due to the deep lacerations
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside and outside of each dumpster as needed throughout the day as needed
590.005/5-501.116-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Lid to the dumpster was wide open and not closed properly after use - close the lids tightly after the dumpster has been emptied each time by trash removal company - then clean inside the basin as well as the exterior of the dumpster to remove residue and obnoxious odors
590.005/5-501.113-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Close the lids on each dumpster after use throughout the day in order to reduce potential rodent activity
590.005/5-501.15-C
Storage of soiled linens (c)
Inspector notes: Replace the container being used to contain all soiled lined for staff as it has openings where potential rodent activity can enter
590.004/4-803.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No food safety / allergen awareness certificates posted on site - address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove any and all loose trash and debris in the alleyway around the dumpster and grease receptacle - remove the empty and unanchored CO-2 tanks in the alleyway
590.006/6-501.114-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean around each dumpster from all visible loose trash and debris
590.005/5-501.15-C
41
Aug 14, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs are being stored directly above freshly cut produce in the two door steel fridge inside the kitchen - discontinue practices and store as discussed
590.003/3-302.11-P
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing the entire "Consumer Advisory " on the newly printed menu's - address immediately
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidenve of rodent droppings around trhe dumpsters behind the restaurant in the common alleyway - address with an IPM report from your licensed pest control company as discussed
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace the compromised white cutting boards where needed of each sandwich refrigeration unit-cannot be cleaned properly anymore due to the deep lacerations
590.004/4-202.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No food safety / allergen awareness certificates posted on site - address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Close the lids on each dumpster after use throughout the day in order to reduce potential rodent activity
590.005/5-501.15-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean around each dumpster from all visible loose trash and debris
590.005/5-501.15-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside and outside of each dumpster as needed throughout the day as needed
590.005/5-501.116-C
Storage of soiled linens (c)
Inspector notes: Replace the container being used to contain all soiled lined for staff as it has openings where potential rodent activity can enter
590.004/4-803.11-C
50
Mar 5, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Some rodent activity noted in the alleyway - address as discussed
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Do not block designated handsinks in the kitchen with soiled pots and pans - maintain clean at all times during business hours
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace compromised chlorine test strips
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No current food safety certificate on site - address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Identify all bulk food storage bins to mproperly identify the contents
590.003/3-302.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean heavy stains on the hood vents where needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean exteror of all refrigeration / freezer units where needed from all visible soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Either repair or replace the grease bin in the alleyway as it appears to be leaking a bit and covered in soils
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Keep lids closed tightly on trash receptacles when not iin use
590.005/5-501.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors throughout the facility from all visible food spills
590.006/6-101.11-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Replace all the dim lights in the kitchen as it is very hard to see all commoin areas of the euipment inside the kitchen
590.006/6-303.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loose debris in the basement not affiliated with the business
590.006/6-501.114-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate the soiled mops off the floors after use a minimum of six inches
590.006/6-501.16-C
45
Nov 28, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 6, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al Dente Ristorante last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Al Dente Ristorante on file is from May 15, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al Dente Ristorante?
Across the inspection record, “outside receptacles” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Al Dente Ristorante.
How does Al Dente Ristorante compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Al Dente Ristorante most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Al Dente Ristorante's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Al Dente Ristorante have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Al Dente Ristorante means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Al Dente Ristorante inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Al Dente Ristorante is inspected around four times per year on average.
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