Shoyu Boston

36 Harrison Av, Boston, MA 02111
Japanese / Sushi
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
90
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Shoyu Boston has four inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 23, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 15 violations to closer to two violations per visit.

Looking across the full record, “surface characteristics-indoor areas” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Boston restaurant scores 86. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: There is prep in the basement multiple exposed pipes were observed.Provide a proper ceiling over the prep locations. Photos were taken & will be discussed with an ISD supervisor.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink.Provide proper prep sink with an air gap. (manager stating the 3 bay sink is used)
590.004/4-501.11-C
90
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Restriction and storage-medicines (p)
Inspector notes: Remove medication container from the 3 bay prep location.
590.007/7-207.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: The handwash sink was observed obstructed by equipment.Remove equipment. Maintain handwash sink accessible for proper handwashing.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior of the ice machine to remove soils.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Conditions of use (pf)
Inspector notes: Remove the can of raid from under the service station handwash sink.
590.007/7-202.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: The handwash sink is missing soap.Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: There are prepped items in the walkins that are missing datemarkings.Provide datemarkings on all prepped items held 41F or below for over 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of roach(glue boards) & mouse activity(droppings) observed.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple soiled glue traps observed.Remove/replace
590.006/6-501.112-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove/discard any unused equipment from the basement location.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under/around all cook line equipment/smokers/fryers to remove grease build up
590.006/6-501.13-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior floor to remove evidence of mouse droppings-utility closet-Mens room
590.006/6-501.13-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink.Provide proper prep sink with an air gap. (manager stating the 3 bay sink is used)
590.004/4-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the ceiling vent to remove dust buildup. Clean the interiors of multiple walkin units to remove soils(floors/walls/ceiling)
590.006/6-201.11-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: There is a light out above the cook line.Replace bulb
590.006/6-303.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed with dripping grease.Clean to remove grease.
590.004/4-202.18-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hot water fixture at the handwash sink not operating.Repair The cold water fixture at the cook line handsink is not operating.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: There is prep in the basement multiple exposed pipes were observed.Provide a proper ceiling over the prep locations. Photos were taken & will be discussed with an ISD supervisor.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the cook line equipment to remove built up soils/grease
590.004/4-602.13-C
27
Aug 27, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the basement preparation area. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed behind the walk-in basement freezer. Address up to date pest control report was provided at the time of the inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to hold/store knives. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner. Card board being used to line storage shelves on the cooking line. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth. Metal bowl being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoops to prevent contamination from hands.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap at the hand sink located in the dish area. Address and provide soap/paper towels at all hand sinks.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of meat and other food observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. 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
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Cigarette observed on preparation table near the 3 bay sink. Discontinue and provide a designated area for smoking.
590.002/2-401.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under the 4 top burner with excess grease and food debris. Clean to remove. All storage shelves behind the cooking line visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Toilet in the basement restroom visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Floor under the oven located in the basement preparation area with excess grease build-up. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess boxes debris and other equipment observed being stored behind the walk-in freezer not allowing access for pest control. Remove all unecessary equipment/debris not being used for the business in order for proper pest treatment.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection the Hood sticker was several day from being expired (9/1/2025). Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection. Hood inspection has been scheduled for 8/29/2025 (as stated by management).
590.006/6-201.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage at the hand sink located in the basement preparation area. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Foods observed being packaged in the main dining area. Discontinue and ensure all food preparation/packaging is being done in a clean and protected area. Bug zapper observed being stored directly over rice cooker in the front service area. Discontinue and ensure all bug traps/zappers are not located over any type of food preparation/clean equipment.
590.003/3-307.11-C
45
Mar 21, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shoyu Boston last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Shoyu Boston on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Shoyu Boston?

Across the inspection record, “surface characteristics-indoor areas” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Shoyu Boston.

How does Shoyu Boston compare to other restaurants in Boston?

Shoyu Boston most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.

Has Shoyu Boston's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Shoyu Boston have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly 15 earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Shoyu Boston 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 Shoyu Boston inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Shoyu Boston is inspected around two times per year on average.