Kava Neo Taverna

315 Shawmut Av, Roxbury, MA 02118

Bar / Pub

Last inspected: Aug 15, 2025

Score

High Risk

Inspectors have visited Kava Neo Taverna six times, with records going back to 2022. Kava Neo Taverna was last inspected on Aug 15, 2025. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to five violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition”, which has been cited three times.

The city-wide average sits at 83, which Kava Neo Taverna's 45 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 15, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 8 violations

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Short rib in bottom drawer of refrigeration unit at 53F. Moved to stand up refrigerator. Ensure cold holding of 41F or below.

590.003/3-501.16-P

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)

Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat products in basement stand up refrigeration unit. Corrected on site.

590.003/3-302.11-P

Prohibiting animals (pf)

Inspector notes: Dog observed in outdoor dining area. Discontinue.

590.006/6-501.115-PF

Pressure (pf)

Inspector notes: Bar hand sink with minimal pressure out of hot water faucet. Repair.

590.005/5-103.12-PF

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Utensils in production line hand sink and in bar hand sink. Hand sinks should only be used for hand washing.

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Common name-working containers (pf)

Inspector notes: Bucket of blue chemical observed in basement area. Provide label.

590.007/7-102.11-PF

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

590.006/6-501.14-C

(b) cooling methods (c)

Inspector notes: Cooked rice being cooled inside an deep pan. Spread out product that is being cooled to ensure proper cooling.

590.003/3-501.15-C

Oct 18, 2024

Routine

3 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Pot in production line hand sink. Corrected on site. Ensure hand sink is only for handwashing.

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)

Inspector notes: No soap in production line hand sink. Corrected on site.

590.006/6-301.11-PF

Common name-working containers (pf)

Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle in basement observed with no label. Provide.

590.007/7-102.11-PF

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Allergy Certificate is expired. No choke saver certificate observed. Provide.

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)

Inspector notes: Mop sink missing door. Provide door to prevent potential contamination.

590.003/3-307.11-C

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Hand sink on production line observed leaking. Repair as necessary.

590.005/5-205.15-C

Sep 5, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired Provide date for cleaning

590.006/6-501.14-C

Jul 28, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired Provide date for cleaning

590.006/6-501.14-C

Feb 24, 2023

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

(a )cooling methods (pf)

Inspector notes: Cauliflower cooked in the last hour covered in plastic container at 110F. Spread out in hotel pan over ice bath. Ensure cooked foods are spread out uncovered and cooed thoroughly to 41F prior to covering.

590.003/3-501.15-PF

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Faucet at prep area hand sink leaks. Repair as needed.

590.005/5-205.15-C

Apr 22, 2022

Routine

2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)

Inspector notes: Grill cooler with raw lamb and chicken stored above cooked sausage and beef. Corrected on site. Raw animal products are always stored below cooked ready to eat foods and produce.

590.003/3-302.11-P

Cooling (p)

Inspector notes: Container of cooked spinach and rice in reach-in cooler at 63F without date. Discarded by PIC. Ensure prepped foods are cooled properly and dated for food safety.

590.003/3-501.14-P

Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Grease trap covered in aluminum foil. Discard foila nd discontinue covering equipment in foil. Resurface grease trap as necessary.

590.004/4-101.19-C

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Spigot of basement had sink leaks. Repair as needed.

590.005/5-205.15-C

(b) cooling methods (c)

Inspector notes: Container of cooked potatoes wrapped in foil at 135F. Unwrapped and spread out to cool properly. COntainer of cooked beans covered at 150F. Spread out in hotel pan. Cool cooked foods uncovered spread out to maximize surface area and cool rapidly.

590.003/3-501.15-C

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Kava Neo Taverna last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Kava Neo Taverna on file is from Aug 15, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Kava Neo Taverna?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Kava Neo Taverna.

How does Kava Neo Taverna compare to other restaurants in Roxbury?

Kava Neo Taverna most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Roxbury average of 83.

Has Kava Neo Taverna's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Kava Neo Taverna have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Kava Neo Taverna 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 Kava Neo Taverna inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Kava Neo Taverna is inspected around two times per year on average.

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