Cafe Lava & Bento
Last inspected: May 1, 2026
86
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Cafe Lava & Bento stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on May 1, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near five violations each time.
The pattern that stands out is “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance”, which has been cited four times.
Compared to the broader Brighton restaurant scene, this is about average. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 1, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Variance requirement (pf)
Inspector notes: On the menu and as explained to the health inspector by the owner of the business the location cures salmon for items on their menu but no HACCP plan was able to be produced and no variance is on file with the Health Department; cease selling of the cured foods until a HACCP plan is submitted and approved by the Health Division and a variance has been granted for the curing of foods.
590.003/3-502.11-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: In the two closets off the main hallway observed extreme amounts of clutter that prevent proper cleaning and observation; remove any unnecessary items and organize items in the closets.
590.006/6-501.114-C
86
Apr 17, 2026
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: The person in charge did not give the correct answer for maximum cold holding temperature was not able to name the reportable illnesses or symptoms and said they were not able to set up the three compartment sink so no cleaning and sanitizing was happening during the inspection; provide a person in charge who is knowelgable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: The handwashing sink in the back prep area is blocked by a trash can there is a plastic lid top inside the basin of the sink and there is no handwashing soap or approved hand drying device at the handwashing sink; handwashing sinks must always be accessible and stocked with hand cleanser and an approved hand drying device.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Variance requirement (pf)
Inspector notes: On the menu and as explained to the health inspector by the owner of the business the location cures salmon for items on their menu but no HACCP plan was able to be produced and no variance is on file with the Health Department; cease selling of the cured foods until a HACCP plan is submitted and approved by the Health Division and a variance has been granted for the curing of foods.
590.003/3-502.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: The interior of the under-counter refrigerators in the main kitchen are heavily encrusted in soils and debris; clean and sanitize.
590.004/4-601.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: In the two closets off the main hallway observed extreme amounts of clutter that prevent proper cleaning and observation; remove any unnecessary items and organize items in the closets.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles in the back food prep area are missing or dislodged; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Observed the food handler chewing gum in the food prep area and while handling and preparing foods; food handlers should not eat or drink in the food prep areas and only in designated areas away from food.
590.002/2-401.11-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: The food handler was not observed wearing an effective hair restraing during the inspection and while they were handling and preparing foods; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.
590.002/2-402.11-C
58
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Before use after cleaning (p)
Inspector notes: Equipment and pans observed washed but not sanitized. Review 3 compartment sink washing and sanitizing procedures with staff to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-702.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at sandwich station blocked by refrigerator. Keeo hand sinks clear and available at all times. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips for chemical sanitizer. Provide test strips for either quats or chlorine sanitizer.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils under dump sink in cabinet. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Leak under dump sink at service line. Repair as needed.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food handler without hair restraint. Provide hat or hairnets.
590.002/2-402.11-C
61
Jul 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Before use after cleaning (p)
Inspector notes: Equipment and pans observed washed but not sanitized. Review 3 compartment sink washing and sanitizing procedures with staff to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-702.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips for chemical sanitizer. Provide test strips for either quats or chlorine sanitizer.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at sandwich station blocked by refrigerator. Keeo hand sinks clear and available at all times. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food handler without hair restraint. Provide hat or hairnets.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils under dump sink in cabinet. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-602.13-C
64
Jan 29, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Bags of flour salt sugar and other food and food package items contaminatyed with mouse droppings. Discard contamtinate foods. Clean and sanitize shelves.
590.003/3-701.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mouse droppings on and under dry storage shelf in office in bathroom closet and under booths and couches in dining room. Clean all areas and monitor for activity. Provide current pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: PIC stated that second women's toilet is not operating. Repair/service as needed for proper functioning.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloth on counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-304.14-C
70
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink blocked with dishes. Staff using second hand sink at service line. Ensure hand sinks are unobstructed at all times for hand washing only.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine with pink mold-like substance. Clean to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Rice cooker on floor of kitchen. Place rice cooker on table or counter to prevent contamination from the floor.
590.003/3-305.11-C
78
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: 2nd hand sink at service line without towels. Corrected on site. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Yogurt parfaits for self-service retail sale without any labels. Provide labels or discontinue selling parfaits for self-service.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Mayonnaise made with raw egg yolk. No disclosure or reminder on menu. Update printed and electronic menu to indicate that mayo is made with raw yolk.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Adhesive fly traps at service line and in kitchen. Remove fly traps and place away from food prep areas.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Debris in interior/bottom of display refrigerator. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-602.13-C
67
Oct 12, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Lava & Bento last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Lava & Bento on file is from May 1, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Lava & Bento?
Across the inspection record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Cafe Lava & Bento.
How does Cafe Lava & Bento compare to other restaurants in Brighton?
Cafe Lava & Bento most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Brighton average of 88.
Has Cafe Lava & Bento's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Lava & Bento have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Lava & Bento means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Cafe Lava & Bento inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Lava & Bento is inspected around three times per year on average.
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