La Cuchara Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
26
Score
La Cuchara Restaurant has been inspected 11 times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 20, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around nine violations per visit versus roughly six violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “sanitizing solutions testing devices”, showing up eight times.
La Cuchara Restaurant's latest score of 26 falls below the Dorchester average of 86. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
7
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 16 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Lettuce tomato and onion salad at the front service unit with elavated temperature of 59F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs observed stored above (ready -to -eat food) vegetables in refrigerator. Store raw animal products below RTE foods at all times to prevent contamination
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of freezer observed with accumulated food spills and encrusted debris. clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor hand washing understand proper procedures for manual ware washing of equipment ensure proper cleaning methods and frequency for clean in place of food and non food contact surfaces and review responsibilities for company illness procedures. Certified Manager must retrain all staff.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control or any managerial controls. .CFPM to train staff on procedures The PIC Jennifer is not a certified food manager. Provide a full time certified food manager at this location.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedure or supplies for vomit/ diarrhea clean up kit./ Provide complete vomit clean up kit
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Both handwashing sink in front service area and kitchen observed without paper towels. Provide and maintain all the time
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous container and buckets of food observed stored in different cold holding unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: provide properly working metal stem cooks thermometer to measure both hot and cold foods
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink to wash produce lettuce . Provide a food prep sink to protect produce during preparation.
590.003/3-305.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Black beans observed stored inside a green sanitizer bucket in the refrigerator/ food must be stored in approved food-grade containers only. Discontinue (COS) Green cutting board observed stored on the floor near the oven. Food contact surface and utensils must be stored at leat 6 inch of the floor to prevent contamination ./Properly store on a clean elevated surface or desiginated storage rack.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Front door observed without door sweep. provide door sweep to remove all daylight from exterior door
590.006/6-202.15-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Squeeze bottles filled with sauces observed with no labels. Provide
590.003/3-302.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Refrigerator/foods stored uncovered in units/properly cover all foods
590.003/3-302.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess items and debris in back alley way. Clean all excess trash items.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of minor mouse dropping observed in the kitchen between the oven and fridge on the floor/ clean to remove./ Provide a detailed licensed exterminator’s report to keila.depina@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
26
Oct 1, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Open blocks of poison observed on the main kitchen floor. Discontinue use.
590.007/7-206.12-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there was no sanitizer in the buckets. Address and ensure all staff have been properly trained on how to set up and test sanitizing solution.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed being stored on the kitchen floor. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Surface characteristics-outdoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Small hole observed near the trunk of the tree in the rear where trash is being stored. Address and fill in hole to limit any rodent activity.
590.006/6-102.11-C
70
Aug 28, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Pasta salad in the front service unit with an elevated temperature of 47F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer in the red bucket registering at well over the required 50-100ppm. Address and ensure all staff have been properly trained om how to set up and test sanitizer.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity observed in the restroom. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Peeled plantaines observed being stored in teh same water has soiled utensils. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Home style stove observed being used in the main kitchen area. Discontinue use and provide commercial grade equipment for the restaurant.
590.004/4-202.16-C
(b) cooling methods (c)
Inspector notes: Pans filled with breakfast foods observed being cooled at room temperature (124F). Discontinue and ensure proper cooling methods are in place.
590.003/3-501.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Portions of flooring in the main kitchen area damaged and sagging. Addres and make any necessary repairs.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Disocntinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution. Buckets were set up during the course of the inspection.
590.003/3-304.14-C
55
Jan 27, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels in the restroom. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date form 10/2024. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspeciton. Hood cleaning has ben scheduled for 1/28/2025.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the first flip top cooler in the main kitchen visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Light out above the frying station. Replace. Card board being used to line several shelves in teh main kitchen area. Address and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bags of carrots and other foods observed being stored on the ground in the back storage room. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
70
Aug 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Pasta salad and sliced meat inside of the flip top cooler with elevated temperatures between 49-55F. Discontinue use for any TCS foods unles the unit is able to maintain a temperature below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drainage pipe to the hand sink in the main kitchen is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be large flies inside of the main kitchen possiibly due to the rear door being left open. Address and ensure the screen door remains closed during operational hours.
590.006/6-501.111-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives observed being stored in between wall panels near hand sink. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Flip top cooler appear to have an elevated temperature of 49F. Discontinue use for any TCS foods unles the unit is able to maintain a temperature below 41F.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the flip top cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Drip tray to the Continental 2 door cooler appears to be leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.
590.004/4-602.13-C
61
Aug 23, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: No designated pic. Provide a designated pic at all hours of operation.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 compartment sink. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rodent droppings observed on stored equipment. Clean to remove. Provide current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No valid food safety certificate posted. Provide
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy food soils on exterior of refrigeraton and freezer units. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils observed on the handsink near the 3 bay. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
67
Mar 8, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 compartment sink. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: No designated pic. Provide a designated pic at all hours of operation.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils observed on the handsink near the 3 bay. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rodent droppings observed on stored equipment. Clean to remove. Provide current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy food soils on exterior of refrigeraton and freezer units. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No valid food safety certificate posted. Provide
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
67
Mar 24, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Warewashing machine data plate operation specifications (c)
Inspector notes: data plate specifications not accessible due to some areas are wrapped with proctection sticker provide.
590.004/4-204.113-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Repair cracked tiles near ware washing sink area.
590.006/6-201.11-C
90
Mar 16, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No santizer test strip for chlorine santizer provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Mechanical warewashing equipment wash solution temperature (pf)
Inspector notes: Repair rinse mode sanitizer.
590.004/4-501.110-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Repair cracked tiles near ware washing sink area.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Warewashing machine data plate operation specifications (c)
Inspector notes: data plate specifications not accessible due to some areas are wrapped with proctection sticker provide.
590.004/4-204.113-C
74
Mar 9, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Mechanical warewashing equipment wash solution temperature (pf)
Inspector notes: Repair rinse mode sanitizer.
590.004/4-501.110-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No santizer test strip for chlorine santizer provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Repair cracked tiles near ware washing sink area.
590.006/6-201.11-C
78
Jul 19, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Test kit damaged replace.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Exhausthood sticker expired service and provide current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: No labels on some food storage containers provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean equipment sides inbetween and backsplash to remove visible soil.
590.004/4-601.11-C
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cuchara Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cuchara Restaurant on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cuchara Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “sanitizing solutions testing devices” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at La Cuchara Restaurant.
How does La Cuchara Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
La Cuchara Restaurant most recently scored 26 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has La Cuchara Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Cuchara Restaurant have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Cuchara Restaurant 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 La Cuchara Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Cuchara Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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