Scali Deli Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
64
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Scali Deli Cafe, the earliest from 2022. Scali Deli Cafe was last inspected on Jan 28, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to three violations before.
“Nonfood contact surfaces” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Boston facility scores 86, putting Scali Deli Cafe on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer set up during time of inspection. Ensure sanitizer is available at all hours.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle observed without label. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Certified food manager certificate observed expired. Update.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
(b) cooling methods (c)
Inspector notes: Cooked potatoes in walk in cooler observed in deep covered container with condensation inside the container. Spread out and allow product to cool prior to covering.
590.003/3-501.15-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ice scoop at coffee station obsevred stored on counter. Discontinue.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Walk in floor and shelfing observed with soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap in basement. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
64
Oct 21, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Many glue boards with roaches on them located in the basement storage area. Remove all dead insects with more frequency. 10/14/25 Glue Board in the basement observed with Roaches / Provide a detailed licensed exterminator’s report to keila.depina@boston.gov Appointment scheduled for Tomorrow 10/15/2025
590.006/6-501.112-C
95
Oct 6, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced deli meats tuna salad Roasted red pepper Pickles and other food products inside of the open air cooler with elevated temperatures from 48F-57F. Address and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Foods to be removed from the unit and placed into a refrigerator that is at below 41F.Ensure all TCS Food are being maintained at below 45F
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Unit case / provide proper labeling to all prepackaged food Items (Yogurt salad)
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen hand sink observed without paper towels/ Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of roach activity in the basement storage area.Provide a detailed licensed exterminator’s report to keila.depina@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen Handwashing sink oberved without soap/ Provide and maintain
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor under the oven under three bay sink to remove soils and debris. Clean the floor under the hot line to remove soils
590.006/6-501.13-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Many glue boards with roaches on them located in the basement storage area. Remove all dead insects with more frequency.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen observed missing floor tiles in the storage room/ provide
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Jan 29 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Front line kitchen storage room/clean floor area to remove heavey soils and food debris front line/clean interior/ exterior of all reach in units/door gaskets ( Basement) Walk-in freezer clean the floor to remove debris
590.004/4-602.13-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen and Front handsink observed without employee must wash hand signage/ Provide employee must wash hands signage
590.006/6-301.14-C
43
Oct 16, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced deli meats tuna salad and other food products inside of the open air cooler with elevated temperatures from 48F-57F. Address and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Foods to be removed from the unit and placed into a refrigerator that is at below 41F. Raw whole shell eggs observed being left out at room temperature. Discontinue and ensure all TCS eggs are being maintained at below 45F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of the Cappucino machine visibly soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floor of basement near the oil tank with excess water from ceiling leak. Address and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Many glue boards with roaches on them located in the basement storage area. Remove all dead insects with more frequency.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Top portion of the open air cooler does not appear to be functioning properly. Address and discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintian a temperature below 41F. All foods to be removed from the unit until repairs/replacement has been provided. Lower doors to the open air cooler damaged and not closing properly. Address and make anhy necessary repairs.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from April 2024. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity observed in the back preparation area. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of roach activity in the basement storage area. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: 2 Drainage pipes under the 3 basy sink are leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Basement ceiling located near the oil tankk is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
58
Dec 27, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 14, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Soilded knife and grease build up visible inside handsink. PIC removed and was advised to retrain staff on proper use of handsink.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils and grease build up on faucet handsinks. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
86
Sep 26, 2022
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue using milk crates as storage containers for produce items. Provide food grade storage containers.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: keep ALL wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rat droppings observed on sidewalk outside at the trash storage area. Remove droppings. Provide extermination service and provide reciept of service at the compliance inspection. Provide game plan for dealing with the rodent issue.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Glass at the front door hs been shattered. Replace broken glass to the door. Clean the floor area under the hot line in the kitchen.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: At the trash storage area clean the exterior of the oil storage container.
590.005/5-501.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: clean sides of the frylator in the kitchen. Clean cooking equipment on the service line.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Resurface or replace the worn and stained cuting boards used st the catering area.
590.004/4-501.12-C
70
May 9, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: keep all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when cloths are not in use.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean badement floor. Focus on areas past the bathrooms. Organize room also.Clean the floor area under the service line. Remove debris buildup. Clean the floor area unde rthe shelving in the basement.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement walk in cooler discontinue use of milk crates as storage containers. Use food grade containers for all food storage needs.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: remove all previously open paint cans from storage in the basement.
590.005/5-501.110-C
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Scali Deli Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Scali Deli Cafe on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Scali Deli Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Scali Deli Cafe.
How does Scali Deli Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Scali Deli Cafe most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Scali Deli Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Scali Deli Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Scali Deli Cafe 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 Scali Deli Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Scali Deli Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants