Hojoko
Last inspected: Apr 28, 2026
95
Score
Hojoko has been inspected 20 times since 2022. On Apr 28, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around three violations to closer to one violation per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “controlling pests”, which has been cited six times.
Restaurants in Boston average 86, so Hojoko is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 28, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Observed grease on the outside grease container. Clean to remove grease on container and on the ground. Observed oily/water substance around the ground drain near the storage container. Ensure staff is not dumping grease or mop water down the drain. Observed no lid on the dumpster and a full recycle bin. Provide lid for the dumpster and ensure that it is closed. Break down boxes in the recyle bin and ensure that the lid is closed.
590.005/5-501.11-C
95
Apr 2, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Air gap has been installed and plumbing permit has been pullled. Waiting on plumbing inspector to sign off. Please email us when the plumbing inspector has approved the air gap.
590.005/5-205.15-C
95
Mar 30, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Air gap has been installed and plumbing permit has been pullled. Waiting on plumbing inspector to sign off. Please email us when the plumbing inspector has approved the air gap.
590.005/5-205.15-C
95
Mar 5, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Observed no air gap under the prep sink in the basement kitchen. The prep sink upstairs has an air gap. Contact licensed plumber pull proper permit at 1010 mass ave. The plumbing inspector needs to approve before health can sign off.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Reduced oxygen packaging criteria (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed ribs stored in a sealed plastic bag with no labels or date posted on the bag. Photo taken. Discontinue ROP until ISD HEALTH has approved.
590.003/3-502.12-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit onsite. Provide quats sanitizer strips.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substance inside the ice machine. Clean to remove mold-like substance.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled laminated handwash signs and wall behind the hand sink on the cook like located upstairs. Clean walls and remove signs. The handwash only sign needs to be secured.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Provide a lightbulb under the hood on the cook line upstairs.
590.006/6-303.11-C
58
Jan 16, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 15, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Warewashing machines temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Rinse gauge inoperable. Repair.
590.004/4-204.115-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: . Pest report from Eco Lab dated 12/5/25 with numerous open "structural concerns that could cause pest problems" Address. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection that shows all concerns have been corrected. Mice droppings observed under booths in dining room and as stated on recent pest report dated 12/5/25. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Address all openings noted on pest report dated 12/15/25 from eco lab.
590.006/6-202.15-C
78
Dec 2, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw meat above fruit on sheet pan tower in walkin cooler. COS.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small flies evident in basement prep area. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No chlorine test kit for low temp dish machine. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
70
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: irreversible thermometer battery is dead. Replace.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: Rinse gauge inoperable on high temp machine. Replace.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Peeling paint on duct work above ground floor cookline flaking duct work and pipe insulation above basement prep area. Clean and resurface with cleanable materials.
590.006/6-101.11-C
78
Apr 29, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Install pest proof door sweeps on lobby doors. Seal gaps under shipping container in outside area in consultation with IPM pest control company.
590.006/6-202.15-C
95
Apr 25, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be mice droppings next to booth opposite bar & street side bar storage area. Clean and sanitize all affected areas remove clutter and store all items off the floor. Provide an IPM pest control report post dated after this day upon the compliance inspection on 4/25/25.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (pf)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer dispenser is dispensing at 50F. Repair to dispense at 75F. Follow instructions on SDS sheet and label.
590.004/4-501.114-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Lobby with daylight emitting. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
78
Apr 18, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be mice droppings next to booth opposite bar & street side bar storage area. Clean and sanitize all affected areas remove clutter and store all items off the floor. Provide an IPM pest control report post dated after this day upon the compliance inspection on 4/25/25.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (pf)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer dispenser is dispensing at 50F. Repair to dispense at 75F. Follow instructions on SDS sheet and label.
590.004/4-501.114-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Hole under host stand front door to lobby with daylight emitting. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker is expired. Provide current. PIC states cleaning has been scheduled.
590.006/6-501.14-C
74
Mar 26, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (pf)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer dispenser is dispensing at 50F. Repair to dispense at 75F. Follow instructions on SDS sheet and label.
590.004/4-501.114-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker is expired. Provide current. PIC states cleaning has been scheduled.
590.006/6-501.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs in pans of water. Ensure water is above 135F. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-304.12-C
82
Dec 4, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed changing tasks from handling raw and ready to eat foods clean equipment without first washing hands. Retrain staff. COS. RTE foods discarded.
590.002/2-301.14-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw ground beef being prepared in close proximity to raw shrimp. Corrected on site. Retrain staff.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Warewashing machines temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Rinse gauge inoperable at high temp unit in basement. Repair.
590.004/4-204.115-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
61
Feb 22, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw chicken above raw pork . Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Reduced oxygen packaging criteria (pf)
Inspector notes: ROP machine in basement. No variance. REMOVE.
590.003/3-502.12-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory Font size on menu is too small. Provide 11 or above.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Warewashing machines temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Final rinse gauge inoperable at high temp machine. Tested 165F at the plate. Repair gauge.
590.004/4-204.115-PF
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: No logs for sushi rice. Provide. Rice tested at 4.0PH.
590.008/8-103.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide pest treatments and IPM report for under shipping container used for dry storage.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Surface characteristics-outdoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Gravel outside with areas disturbed near dry storage shipping container. Seal all exposed earth to prevent burrowing vermin.
590.006/6-102.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide current.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Missing door sweep at rear door what appears to be rat activity evident under shipping container outside rear door used for dry storage with burrow under shipping container. Treat and seal all openings.
590.006/6-202.15-C
45
Nov 24, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on interior of ice machines
590.004/4-602.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Only hand sink in prep/ware washing is not easily accessable
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all articles that are unnecessary articles from basement prep/ware washing/storage areas
590.006/6-501.114-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Wrapping on HVAC is in disrepair above 3 bay bay sink basement
590.006/6-501.11-C
Preset tableware (c)
Inspector notes: Utensils not protected (corrected on site)
590.004/4-904.13-C
Kitchenware and tableware-preventing contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Straw at bar not protected from contamination - Thick straws
590.004/4-904.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Equipment/utensils are not protected from contamination - Hanging off ends of shelving etc
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Wash and rinse on high temp dishmachines (bar/waitstation not maintaining temperature)
590.004/4-501.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on interior and exterior of refrigeration units throughout bar upper prep area wait station
590.004/4-101.19-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses - Upper prep/lower prep/ware washing and bar area
590.003/3-304.14-C
52
Aug 24, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food disposition (p)
Inspector notes: Numerous RTE items in refrigeration with datemarking outside of the 7 day limit- Products removed at the time of the inspection and voluntarily discarded and denatured Properly monitor RTE product dates
590.003/3-501.18-P
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment is providing space for brunch service for the Verb Hotel located in the same building. Per an interview with the PIC at Hojoko- The Verb is resposible for the brunch service. Verb employees monitor the breakfast service. Hojoko is sharing refrigeration space and warewashing with the Verb for food service Discontinue use of the space within Hojoko for use by The Verb Hotel
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of heavy small black flyactivity at the bar upstairs- Provide updated pestcontrol report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
70
Mar 9, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 9 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 22 violations
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Food container in storage containers in storage visiably soiled - food storage Containers with food in them are soiled on the exterior - food prep/storage areas Items in direct contact of customer ice bin during storage - Must be kept clean
590.004/4-602.11-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food handlers and staff not washing hand upon return to work stations and handling food and equipment I provided information and discussed proper hand washing with PIC/CFPM
590.002/2-301.14-P
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Observed employees not lathering with hand soap for 20 seconds. Observed food handler reaching over food prep table exposed foods and food contacts to get paper towel to dry hands and not using a barrier to turn off hand sink facuetts I provided information and discussed proper hand washing with PIC/CFPM
590.002/2-301.12-P
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: High temp dish machine 172 F - Basement ware washing area
590.004/4-501.112-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: 2 hand sinks in upper prep area without drying device PIC took corrective
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at sushi station does not have hand soap Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Bottle bush in hand sink basin - Bar Corrected on site by PIC Hand sink in back storage blocked by ice buckets and rolling rack - removed by PIC Only hand sink in food prep/ware washing area is blocked by food prep tables/clean equipment/shelving - All items must be relocated
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Capacity-quantity and availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hot water at hand sink - basement back area Corrected on site by PIC
590.005/5-103.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures (I provided and discussed code required written procedures at this inspection and past inspections) Kit missing caution tape
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Warewashing machines temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Dishwasher Temperature Sensor Labels not registering and expired on 03-23-22
590.004/4-204.115-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple Priority Priorty foundation and Core violations noted on inspection providing proof that the PIC is not performing duties and employees have not been trained per code
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No quats test kit for 3 bay sink
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Stacking wet clean equipment - Storage area
590.004/4-901.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils on interior and exterior of charcoal bin Build of soils on in use and storage food containers - Remove from next to food equipment Storage/prep/cooking line/etc.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Food storage containers not labled - Prep/cooking line/storage
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Using milk crates for shelving - Food prep/cooking line/ware washing and storage areas Broken food containers Food in bus bucket on floor of walk in unit
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs stored on oven door handles - Prep/cooking area Ladles stored on hand sink divider - Prep/cooking area
590.003/3-304.12-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Light fixture without bulb on hood
590.006/6-303.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizer solutions in food prep/ware washing and bar areas
590.003/3-304.14-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Food handler eating on food on cooking/prep line PIC took corrective actions
590.002/2-401.11-C
Kitchenware and tableware-preventing contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Straw not protected from contamination
590.004/4-904.11-C
Storing maintenance tools (c)
Inspector notes: Mops brooms etc not raised 6" above the floor
590.006/6-501.113-C
16
Dec 6, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood stickers observed expired (white 11.24.22)(yellow 11.2.22).Provide proper hood service from a licensed company. Post new stickers. PIC stating appt is on 12.11.22 and will forward Email confirmation.
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
May 31, 2022
Routine
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Multitasking tasking wearing disposable glove
590.003/3-304.15-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Employees not washing hands (leaving and returning to work station. No washing hand before donning on clean gloves
590.002/2-301.14-P
Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp dish machine 200 PPM - Dishwashing company called All ware washing will be performed in 3 bay sink
590.007/7-204.11-P
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Build up in ice machine
590.004/4-602.11-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: No proof Sushi employees have been trained in the HACCP No proof of a full time on site Certified food protection manager
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Straws at bar not individually wrapped
590.004/4-903.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Torn insulation and wall pipes - Kitchen and ware washing areas
590.006/6-501.11-C
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hojoko last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hojoko on file is from Apr 28, 2026. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hojoko?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Hojoko.
How does Hojoko compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Hojoko most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Hojoko's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Hojoko have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Hojoko 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 Hojoko inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hojoko is inspected around five times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants