Cafe Sauvage

25 Massachusetts Av, Boston, MA 02115
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Feb 13, 2026
52
Score
High Risk

Cafe Sauvage has been inspected eight times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 13, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately and about seven violations before that.

When inspectors have written things up, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.

The city-wide average sits at 86, which Cafe Sauvage's 52 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 13, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: At the cooler directly across from the oven in the kitchen observed TCS foods at elevated temperatures smoked salmon 51F cut carrots 49F soft cheese in the reachin part of the unit 50F. The external thermometer of the unit reads 41F. The person in charge indicates that the foods are moved from the walkin refrigerator at 8am every morning and put into the refrigerators in the kitchen. The TCS foods were removed to the walkin refrigerator in the basement to cool to 41F. Hold TCS foods at 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: In the public restroom observed small dark rodent droppings. In the basement of the restaurant observed holes in the floors and holes in ceilings that could provide entry for pests but did not observe evidence of gnawing or droppings in the basement. The pest control report provided by the person in charge dated 2/11/2026 states there were two captured mice in the basement and activity in the basement kitchen and walkin refrigerator. Have your pest control operator perfrom a service prior to the reinspection work with them on exclusionary measures to prevent pests from entering the establishment and provide a clean (no captures no evidence) pest control report. The person in charge during the inspection called and scheduled their pest control operator to perform service on 2/16/2026.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: At the hand sink in the kitchen there is a pipe plumbed from the air conditioner unit that terminates into the basin of the hand sink; remove or redirect the pipe so that it no longer terminates into the hand sink basin.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No food thermometer was able to be presented during the inspection; the person in charge ordered new food thermometers during the inspection. Provide food thermometers at all times in the establishment.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: The person in charge who is a certified food protection manager was not able to give the correct answers for cold and hot holding temperatures or name all the reportable symptoms and illnesses. The Health Inspector will be providing educational handouts to review about food safety temperatures and illness policy. Provide a person in charge who is knowlegable about food safety and illness policy.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: At the front entrance double doors there are gaps where daylight is visible between the doors when closed that allows for pest entry; repair or replace the doors or install door sweeps to prevent pest entry.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple cold holding units without internal thermometers; provide internal thermometers in conspicious locations for all cold holding units.
590.004/4-204.112-C
52
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Risotto dated 6/23 in walk-in refrigerator holding at 60F. Discarded. Review cooling methods to ensure foods are completely cooled to 41F before covering.
590.003/3-501.14-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Rats droppings observed in basement. Pest report indicates minor activity. Clean basement areas and monitor for activity. Provide next pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Damaged and missing ceiling tiles above cook line. Replace as needed.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Toilet rooms enclosed (c)
Inspector notes: Bathroom doors are not self closing. Provide means of self-closing for bathroom doors.
590.006/6-202.14-C
70
Jan 31, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Pickled carrots and onions without date marking. Date mark all prepped foods to ensure rotation. Prepped in last two days.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide cleaning date.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Glue trap in basement with dead roaches. Discard dead pests regularly. Reviewed pest report
590.006/6-501.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Food debris under basement shelves. Clean to avoid attracting pests. Torn bags on mulch in back corner of basement. Clean and store to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
78
Jul 30, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Food prep sink without air gap. Contact plumber to install air gap.
590.005/5-203.14-P
86
Jan 31, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Blanched potatoes on counter at 60F. Moved to refrigerator. Store cooked potatoes in refrigerator at all times.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Containers of raw beef stored over ready to eat foods in cookline refrigerator. Corrected on site. Store raw meat below ready to eat foods.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Low temperature dish machine not pumping sanitizer. Service call has been placed. Sanitize all pans and utensils in 3 compartment sink.
590.004/4-501.114-P
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Reduced oxygen packaged tuna in refrigerator to thaw. PIerce or remove packaging prior to thawing- per package directions.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Food debris under fryer. Mouse droppings under basement shelves. Clean and monitor for activity. Reviewed pest reports.
590.004/4-602.13-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Cups used for scooping bulk ingredients left in containers. Provide scoops with handles to prevent contamination from the hands.
590.003/3-304.12-C
55
Jul 5, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw chicken being prepared directly next to raw mushrooms- Addressed at the time of the inspection and corrected
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cut raw french fries held on multiple sheet pans in the kitchen at 85F- Per the PIC he product was cut less than 2 hours prior to the inspection. Removed and placed in the walkin at 38F. Store cut product at 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer in the low temperature dish machine is measuring well below 50ppm chlorine- Service call made prior to the inspection All equipment shall be washed and sanitized in the 3 bay sink available at the location. Disposible tableware shall be used until proper repairs are made to the low temperature machine
590.004/4-501.114-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Manual french fry cutter in lower level with heavy encrusted soils- Evidence of recent use Spoke with the owner to properly clean the equipment and remove the slicer from the lower level. There is no handwashing available in the area
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple priority violations noted on the inspection report- Review with staff
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels available at the handwashing sink in the kitchen- Corrected
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker in kitchen expired- Schedule hood cleaning and inspection
590.006/6-501.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Low temperature dishwasher with a heavy leak from the area on the botom- Sevice call made prior to the inspection Hot water handle on the handwashing sink in the kitchen is not working properly- Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous bulk food containers with heavily encrusted soils on the exteriors- Clean with proper fequency
590.004/4-602.13-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of food preparation in the lower level. There in no handwashing available in the area and the ceiling has exposed plaster and pipes Discontinue all food preparatiom in the lower level. Provide information to the Health Department for future approval
590.003/3-305.14-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous soiled/damp wiping cloths on counters with no sanitizer set up- Corrected
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives stored between equipment at the front service counter and in the kitchen- Discontinue
590.003/3-304.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple employees with no hair restraints in the kitchen preparing products- Provide proper hair restraints
590.002/2-402.11-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple beverages in kitchen prep area in open cups- Provide closed beverage containers or a designated area for employees
590.002/2-401.11-C
32
Nov 15, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: French fry cutter in basment prep are is soiled. Clean to remove all soils.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple chemical spray bottles with no label. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Bar hand sink is not operational. Establishment is using dump sink to wash hands at this time. Repair hand sink.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Below equiptment on cookline is soiled. Bottom of freeezer in kitchen is soiled. Clean to remove soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy grease build up in cookline hood filters. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap in basement. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
64
May 13, 2022
Routine
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 10 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Numerous foods in lift top refrigeration at 55F- Products placed in refrigerator less than 2 hours prior to the inspection Refrigeration was not properly maintaing 41F or below All foods were removed and placed in refrigeration or freezer to cool to 41F or below Partially cooked french fries held in abient temperature at cookline- Discontinue Product placed in freezer at the time of the inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Employees unable to properly wash hands at handsinks with no papertowels- Corrected
590.002/2-301.14-P
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Establishment actively using low temperature dishwasher with oppm sanitizer to wash and sanitize equipment- Discontinue using until repairs are made
590.004/4-703.11-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer in low temperature dishwasher with a reading of 0ppm- Discontinue using until repairs are made Establishmnet shall use disposible tableware and all equipment shall be washed and sanitized in the 3 bay sink
590.004/4-501.114-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Packaged raw chicken and raw beef held together in container at prep area- Discontinue and provide seperation- Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations noted on inspection report- Review procedures and ensure all equipment is working properly
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Refrigeration unit at cookline not properly working with a temperature of 55F- PIC called for service at the time of the inspection All foods were removed at this time- Discontinue use until unit holds at 41F or below
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels available at the time of the inspection- Corrected
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges in use at the warewashing area- Discontinue
590.004/4-101.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floors behind cookline with heavy grease buildup and debris- Clean with proper frequency
590.004/4-602.13-C
32

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Sauvage last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Sauvage on file is from Feb 13, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Sauvage?

Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cafe Sauvage.

How does Cafe Sauvage compare to other restaurants in Boston?

Cafe Sauvage most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.

Has Cafe Sauvage's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Sauvage have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Cafe Sauvage means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Cafe Sauvage inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Sauvage is inspected around two times per year on average.