Mela Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 2, 2026
95
Score
Across the available record, Mela Restaurant has 13 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Mela Restaurant was last inspected on Feb 2, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around three violations lately and about seven violations before that.
“Nonfood contact surfaces” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Mela Restaurant's latest score of 95 sits above the Roxbury average of 83. The record reflects steady performance over time.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 2, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: No mop sink on site.Provide (PIC stating mop water is disposed in toilet)
590.005/5-203.13-C
95
Jan 5, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence observed of rodent activity in the kitchen/basement.(droppings) Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all bulk storage bins.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the outside trash location to remove debris & clutter
590.005/5-501.115-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: No mop sink on site.Provide (PIC stating mop water is disposed in toilet)
590.005/5-203.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the kitchen equipment to remove soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the kitchen/basement floors to remove evidence of rodent droppings & soils.
590.006/6-501.13-C
70
Sep 23, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Exhaust fan in basement window has no screen and is exposed to outside. Cover to prevent potential pests.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Missing vent cover on the exterior of the front of the restaurant. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
90
Aug 27, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no handsoap @ hand sink in basement prep area. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure handsoap is maintained at all handsink. COS
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed refrigerated units in main kitchen with heavy soils / spills; exterior of fryers with heavy grease build up; upright freezer unit in basement prep with heavy soils / spills; heavy food splatter inside microwaves; filters on ice machine dusty. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and ensure frequent cleaning during slow periods of operation
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed many cooked and ready to eat foods stored in walk in unit over 24hrs per PIC without date marking. Discussed with PIC to ensure foods are properly labeled and date marked if held over 24hrs
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed open windows in kitchen without screens. Discussed with PIC to maintain windows closed to prevent contamination from flying insects.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no handwash signage at handsinks. Provide at all handsinks to identify
590.006/6-301.14-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wet mop stored at handsink in main kitchen. Remove and stored mops inverted for proper drying
590.006/6-501.16-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no internal thermometers for refrigerated units. Provide a thermometer for all refrigerated units
590.004/4-204.112-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed opened handsink next to prep sink in main kitchen. Provide a barrier to prevent contamination of food at prep tables
590.003/3-307.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed knives stored in between prep tables and between pipe and wall in basement prep / kitchen area. Discussed with PIC to discontinue and ensure utensils are properly stored on clean and sanitized food contact surfaces
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed squeeze bottles and bulk containers in main kitchen and basement prep stored unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed many food items stored in refrigerated units throughout kitchen uncovered. Discussed with PIC to maintain foods covered to protect from contamination
590.003/3-302.11-C
50
Apr 28, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw chicken stored above ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Samosas on production line at 50F. Removed and placed back into walk in cooler to cool properly. Hold cold items at 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Gallon container of milk observed in basement area hand sink. Hand sink should only be used for hand washing.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Detegerent on high temperature dish machine observed empty. Corrected on site.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Basement flooring observed with food debris and build up. Clean to remove
590.004/4-602.13-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Hole in screen of back door. Repair.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess boxes and trash observed in back alley area. Clean to remove all excess trash items.
590.006/6-501.114-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Certified food manager certificate observed expired. Update.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
50
Jan 8, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: No backflow prevention on both prep sinks. Contact licensed plumber to install backflow preventers on prep sinks. Provide invoice from licensed plumber on company letterhead.
590.005/5-402.11-P
86
Jan 6, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: No backflow prevention on both prep sinks. Contact licensed plumber to install backflow preventers on prep sinks. Provide invoice from licensed plumber on company letterhead.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Prohibiting a cross connection (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a leak under the 3 bay sink. Contact licensed plumber to repair leak. Provide an invoice from a licensed plumber on company letterhead.
590.005/5-205.12-PF
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food items being stored with no covering. Provide proper lids/covering on food items.
590.003/3-302.11-C
74
Dec 10, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: No backflow prevention on both prep sinks. Contact licensed plumber to install backflow preventers on prep sinks. Provide invoice from licensed plumber on company letterhead.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit on site. Provide test kit.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No vomit & diarrhea kit on site. Emailed PIC the policy and procedures. Provide vomit and diarrhea kit.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer or detergent for the 3 bay sink sanitizer buckets. Provide sanitizer and detergent. Discontinue using the 3 bay sink and use the dishmachine until detergent and sanitizer is purchased.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Prohibiting a cross connection (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a leak under the 3 bay sink. Contact licensed plumber to repair leak. Provide an invoice from a licensed plumber on company letterhead.
590.005/5-205.12-PF
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food items being stored with no covering. Provide proper lids/covering on food items.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards are worn/scored. Resurface/Replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled floors behind the 3 bay sink dishmachine and downstairs in the basement. Sweep and clean floors to remove all debris and soil
590.006/6-201.11-C
50
Jun 7, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple container of food observed without date marking. Provide.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap observed. Dead roach under dry storage shelf. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Plastic cups observed in food product in walk in cooler. Ice scoop being held on top of machine. Discontinue.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Shelfing by cookline observed soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Production line workers observed without hair restraints. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
74
Dec 6, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Dish machine booster leaks during wash cycle. Work order placed for new dish machine. Maintin catch bucket for leaking water. Keep floor dry to avoid accumulation of moisture.
590.005/5-205.15-C
95
Oct 31, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: No cover for trash cans in restrooms. Provide covered waste bin in both restrooms.
590.005/5-501.17-C
95
May 25, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Soda gun holder at bar with soils. Clean to prevent contamination
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at prep area out of towels. Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Deep pan of diced chicken at 100F after 1 hour. Spread out on sheet trays and placed in cooler. Cool cooked foods in shallow metal pans uncovered to ensure rapid cooling and prevent pathogen proliferation
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floors under cookline and bar with debris and build-up. Clean to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards at cookline heavily scoured and stained. Replace to prevent contamination
590.004/4-501.12-C
67
Nov 17, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Containers of marinated raw meats stored above cooked chicken and ready to eat chopped tomatoes. Store raw meat below cooked ready to eat foods and produce. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Containers of prepped food in walk-in without date marking held over 24 hours. Date prepped foods held over 24 hours to ensure rotation.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Holder for soda dispenser at bar with soil build-up. Clean to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils under cookline around grease trap under 3 compartment sink and dish machine. Exterior of bulk bins in basement soiled. Floor under onion & rice rack with debris. Interior of reach-in coolers with spills and food debris. Old rat droppings behind hot water tank. Clean all areas to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards at cookline soiled and scoured. Plane or replace to prevent potential contamination.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer. Store wiping cloths in sanitizer solution to prevent cross contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Glue trap with ded roaches under basement hand sink. Discard to prevent accumulation.
590.006/6-501.112-C
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mela Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mela Restaurant on file is from Feb 2, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mela Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mela Restaurant.
How does Mela Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Roxbury?
Mela Restaurant most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Roxbury average of 83.
Has Mela Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Mela Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Mela Restaurant 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 Mela Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mela Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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