Pikalo J.P.
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
64
Score
Going back to 2022, Pikalo J.P. has 14 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 27, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
“(p) person-in-charge-duties” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
That's lower than the typical Jamaica Plain restaurant, which scores around 83. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)
Inspector notes: Quats sanitizer in spray bottle testing over 500ppm. Dilute to 200ppm. Retrain staff to safely mix sanitizer.
590.007/7-204.11-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Raw meat being prepped in 3 compartment sink. Prep raw meat in prep sink after washing vegetabloes. Clean and sanitize prep sink between uses.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottles without label. Clearly label all chemical bottles.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Aluminum foil covering shelf over stove and panels around deep fryer. Discard foil and discontinue covering equipment.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Counter top fryer unit not covered by exhaust hood or fire supression. Remove unit to prevent fire hazard.
590.004/4-301.14-C
64
Sep 2, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple holes observed on the ceiling downstairs in the basement area. Potential entryway for pests. Repair.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Live cat cat food and cat litter observed downstrairs in the basement. Remove No live cat on site . IPM report showed activity (8.25.25) PIC to email detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Grease barell observed heavily soiled from grease build up. Clean to remove. New grease barell in the process to be delivered by PIC 8.25.25
590.005/5-402.12-C
86
Aug 25, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Live cat cat food and cat litter observed downstrairs in the basement. Remove PIC to email detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.115-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Prep sink pipe observed leaking between the airgap install and pipe. Repair provide invoice from a licensed plumber.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Grease barell observed heavily soiled from grease build up. Clean to remove. New grease barell in the process to be delivered by PIC 8.25.25
590.005/5-402.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple holes observed on the ceiling downstairs in the basement area. Potential entryway for pests. Repair.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Live cat cat food and cat litter observed downstrairs in the basement. Remove No live cat on site . IPM report showed activity (8.25.25) PIC to email detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed heavily soiled from grease accumulation and dust.Clean to remove. Hood sticker expires 8.25.25
590.004/4-202.18-C
70
Aug 18, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Live cat cat food and cat litter observed downstrairs in the basement. Remove PIC to email detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Grease barell observed heavily soiled from grease build up. Clean to remove
590.005/5-402.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed heavily soiled from grease accumulation and dust.Clean to remove. Hood sticker expires 8.25.25
590.004/4-202.18-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Prep sink pipe observed leaking between the airgap install and pipe. Repair provide invoice from a licensed plumber.
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced tomatos used for sandwich in reach in refrigerator at 51F. PIC stated that he just had them out. Maybe put smaller amounts out and store on ice if needed dure lunch rush.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Empanadas at front counter between 119F. Unit temperture was 120F. PIC did turn up the unit.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink on cookin line did not have soap. PIC filled container with soap.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: One of the hand sinks on the cooking line was blocked with a table. PIC moved table.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to do a deep cleaning and have pest control address the fruit fly issue in the kitchen above the three bay sink and some in basement.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to review with all staff proper holding temperatures and to moniotr this during the day. Be sure that equipment is turned on to the proper temperature to hold hot foods at or above 135F and cold food at or below 41F. General cleaning and repairs would help you with the fruit fly issue.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to properly cover foods in storage. Multiple containers with out covers.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to label the sause caontainers on the cooking line.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to install a door sweep on the back door as discussed. PIC will need to repair the prep sink on the cooking line. Leaking onto the floor.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the wall behind the cooking line.
590.006/6-201.11-C
41
Aug 22, 2024
Routine
6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor handwashing 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
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of food observed without date marking. Per PIC all foods were prep and refrogerated the night before and this morning. Provide date marking ready/discard by .
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of prep sink observed soiled (COS) paper towel holder observed soiled interior and exterior of numerous refrigeration unti observed soiled interior and exterior of microwave observed soiled interior and exterior of kitchen handsink observed soiled (COS). Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-501.112-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen handsink observed without hand cleanser. Provide and maintain. (Corrected on site by PIC)
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Both kitchen handsink observed without paper towel. Provide and maintain (COS)
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous small flies observed throughout the establishment and live cockroaches observed inside the hand sink. PIC to email IPM report from a license exterminator report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiples squeeze bottles observed without lables. Provide proper labels.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed in use utensils stored in stagnant water. Discontinue. (COS)
590.003/3-304.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove Sticker expires 11.1.24
590.004/4-202.18-C
47
Apr 19, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed without proper air gap.Install food prep sink with proper airgap or provide a plumbers report variance request and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.
590.005/5-203.14-P
86
Apr 4, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed Raw eggs stored above fresh produce in the refrigerator unit. . Discontinue. Corrected on site by staff.
590.003/3-302.11-P
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Handsink and prep sink fauce observed dispensing only hot water 155F and rising.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-P
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed without proper air gap.Install food prep sink with proper airgap or provide a plumbers report variance request and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.
590.005/5-203.14-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed handsink blocked by prep table. Discontinue.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed staff washing hands at the prep sink. Discontinue. PIC to retrain staff on handwashing.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean and sanitize cookline equipments backslpash handsink 3bay backsplash prepsink backsplash mopsink interior and exteriro of all refrigeration and freezer equipment from visible food spills stains and soils.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events on site. Provide
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Designate a PIC who's knowlegeable and present at all ours of operations. Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor handwashing 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
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink unable to dispense 95F-100F water through mixing valve. First handsink dispensing water 155F second handsink dispensing water at 48F. Repair.
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels available in the kitchen handsink. Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple trays of empanadas observed stored in the refrigerator without cover. Provide
590.003/3-302.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board observed heavily soiled. Replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
29
Aug 23, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food temperature measuring devices (p)
Inspector notes: Replace
590.004/4-201.12-P
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Pork was discarded from the kitchen as it was overcooked and visibly burnt and not edible due to the meat being extremely overcooked as it was left in the oven overnight on a low heat
590.003/3-101.11-P
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: The only hamd sink in the kitchen / prep area has soiled pots and pans inside the basin hindering proper hand washing - keep clear as discussed during food prep and hours of operation
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Oven was left on overnight with food still inside caising the alarm system to go off - PIC closing at night needs to write out a check list and check it off each evening before closing the establishment
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints when working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Have service company come in to check on the oven since there was an issue with it this morning - provide a work order upon re-inspection
590.004/4-301.14-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Fire door panel needs to be repaired as discussed
590.004/4-501.11-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Enlarge area / shelving units or a rack to properly store and air dry clean pots and pans - current area is just too small to contain all utensils
590.004/4-204.119-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside and outside of all in line cooking equipment from visible spills stains and soils - clean inside and outside of all refrigeration / freezer units from visible food spills
590.004/4-602.13-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: InvertInvert all self service plastic cutlery so the handles are always facing outward
590.004/4-903.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up as discussed
590.003/3-304.14-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Address as diuscussed
590.006/6-501.14-C
41
Mar 31, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food temperature measuring devices (p)
Inspector notes: Replace missing food thermometer
590.004/4-201.12-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Some evidence of rodent activity in the rear - address as discussed
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post a copy of an employees food safety certificates that is on site working during the shift as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up as discuused
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Resurface rusted surfaces underneath all; prep tables where needed
590.004/4-202.16-C
Clean linens (c)
Inspector notes: Seperate from the soiled linens during storage
590.004/4-801.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors throughout the restaurant from all visible soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
61
Jul 20, 2022
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Walls and ceilings studs joists and rafters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean blades of the ceiling fan above the service case from visible dirt dust and debris
590.006/6-201.18-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all unecessary items and loose debris not affiliated with restaurant - remove all used equipment from the previous restaurant that will not be in working operation
590.006/6-501.114-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints when working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure the acting PIC / manager for the day shift has a current food safety certificate on site - one on the wall does not coincide with the manager during time of inspection
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all foods are stored properly inside all refrigeration / freezer units - visibly segragate areas for produce - fully cooked foods -raw foods to reduce potential contamination
590.003/3-302.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly label to identify the contents inside of all bulk food storage bins where needed in the kitchen
590.003/3-302.12-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean around and inside of the outdoor trash receptacles in the back to remove all loose trash and debris - keep lids tightly fit when not in use
590.005/5-501.15-C
70
May 3, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (p)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all broken and / or compromised commercial equipment still remaining in the kitchen
590.004/4-101.11-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Remove visibly compromised cutting boards and replace with clean / new ones as discussed
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure there is an ample area twith slotted shelving to properly air dry clean pots and pans
590.004/4-204.119-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure any and all exposed wooden shelving units receptacles and containers are properly sealed as discussed during inspection - [ stained / painted ]
590.004/4-101.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove any and all loose debris or equipment that will not be used for the new restaurant
590.006/6-501.114-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the uise of sponges to clean any food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
64
Apr 25, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (p)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all broken and / or compromised commercial equipment still remaining in the kitchen
590.004/4-101.11-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Remove visibly compromised cutting boards and replace with clean / new ones as discussed
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the uise of sponges to clean any food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure there is an ample area twith slotted shelving to properly air dry clean pots and pans
590.004/4-204.119-C
70
Apr 11, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (p)
Inspector notes: Some of the cooking equipmemt that was brought over from a sister restaurant appeas compromised with missing knobs used for temperature control some areas are visibly rusted - replace and / or remove any old equipment with the new equipment upon arrival
590.004/4-101.11-P
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (p)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all broken and / or compromised commercial equipment still remaining in the kitchen
590.004/4-101.11-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Remove visibly compromised cutting boards and replace with clean / new ones as discussed
590.004/4-202.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Owner has another identical restaurant a few blocks away and is basically relocating from the very small restaurant space to the current on site location that is much bigger than the existing one - kitchen has old equipment set up from the previous owner that is not compatable with the menu - set up the kitchen with the newer equipment as we discussed during inspection - when you vacate the old restaurant only bring euqipment that is operating properly and is of commercial grade -
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Closing toilet room doors (c)
Inspector notes: Replace the missing attachment for the self closing restroom door
590.006/6-501.19-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the blades of the ceiling fan located directly above the steam table
590.006/6-201.17-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure there is an ample area twith slotted shelving to properly air dry clean pots and pans
590.004/4-204.119-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the uise of sponges to clean any food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all unused / broken equipment - do not store in the basement as it will only attract rodent activity
590.006/6-501.114-C
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pikalo J.P. last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pikalo J.P. on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pikalo J.P.?
Across the inspection record, “(p) person-in-charge-duties” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Pikalo J.P..
How does Pikalo J.P. compare to other restaurants in Jamaica Plain?
Pikalo J.P. most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Jamaica Plain average of 83.
Has Pikalo J.P.'s inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Pikalo J.P. have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pikalo J.P. means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Pikalo J.P. inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pikalo J.P. is inspected around four times per year on average.
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