Pizza Cantina
Last inspected: Sep 30, 2025
74
Score
Going back to 2022, Pizza Cantina has seven inspections in the public record. Pizza Cantina was last inspected on Sep 30, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Pizza Cantina trails the local norm. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 30, 2025
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR AND FRONT DOORS. MUST MANTAIN TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE POP SYRUP BOXES IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW MISSING GARBAGE CANS WITH LIDS IN THE WOMEN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVING ON THE WALLS IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AND FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE LOOSE COVE THE WALL IN ORDER TO MAKE THE GAP BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND THE WALL TIGHT FITTING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT OUT IN THE 1ST FLOOR WOMEN WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ONSITE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST COMPLY AND MAINTAIN THIER ALLERGEN TRAINING AT ALL TIMES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
74
Dec 13, 2024
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11 OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK GROOVES IN THE PIZZA PREP AREA AND ATTACHED TO THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS AND DARK GROOVES OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
16
95
Jun 20, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED A ONE-INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND A 1/2-INCH GAP AT THE LEFT SIDE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOORS TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE P-TRAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED NO COVING ON THE WALLS IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AND FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVE THE WALL IN ORDER TO MAKE THE GAP BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND THE WALL TIGHT FITTING.
55
86
Jun 6, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 MICE DROPPINGS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED A ONE-INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND A 1/2-INCH GAP AT THE LEFT SIDE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOORS TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE P-TRAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED NO COVING ON THE WALLS IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AND FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVE THE WALL IN ORDER TO MAKE THE GAP BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND THE WALL TIGHT FITTING.
55
78
Apr 4, 2023
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR ENTRANCE DOORS NOT TIGHT FIT AND RODENT PROOFED WITH A MORE THAN INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR AND A ONE-INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL DOORS TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-204.119: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS OR AN AIR-DRYING RACK AVAILABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PROPERLY DRY EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
48
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: 5-402.12: FOUND NO GREASE TRAP AT BASEMENT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1ST FLOOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11: OBSERVED WOOD PANEL CEILINGS ABOVE PIZZA PREP STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CEILINGS AT ALL TIMES IN FOOD PREP AREAS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
74
Apr 3, 2023
License
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO GREASE DISPOSAL CONTAINER OR CONTRACT FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR ENTRANCE DOORS NOT TIGHT FIT AND RODENT PROOFED WITH A MORE THAN ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR AND A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL DOORS TIGHT FITIING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS OR AN AIR-DRYING RACK AVAILABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PROPERLY DRY EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
48
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: FOUND NO GREASE TRAP AT BASEMENT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOOD PANEL CEILINGS ABOVE PIZZA PREP STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE CEILINGS AT ALL TIMES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
67
Oct 13, 2022
License
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-306.11 OBSERVED THE PIZZA PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY PROTECTED TO PREVENT ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION BY CONSUMERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER PROTECTION ALONG THE ENTIRE FRONT PIZZA FOOD PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PROTECT FROM ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
39
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AT AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 48F DURING THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED THE FACILITY'S PREP COOLERS NOT ON SITE FOR THE PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-204.11 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED IN THE FRONT PIZZA FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK UNDER CITY PRESSURE, WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AND HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-203.12 OBSERVED NO SIGNS DESIGNATING WOMEN'S/MEN'S TOILET ROOMS LOCATED ON THE DOORS OF THE BASEMENT AND 1ST FLOOR TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
53
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS POSTED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS NOR IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR ENTRANCE DOORS NOT TIGHT FIT AND RODENT PROOFED WITH A MORE THAN ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR AND A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL DOORS TIGHT FITIING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED AN UNSEALED BRICK WALL LOCATED IN THE FRONT PIZZA FOOD PREP AREA AND RAW WOOD SHELVES LOCATED BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL RAW BRICK AND RAW WOOD, ALL SURFACES HAVE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AS WELL AS CORROSION RESISTANT, NON-ABSORBENT AND SMOOTH.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-204.119 OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS OR AN AIR-DRYING RACK AVAILABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PROPERLY DRY EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE FRYERS LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLER THAT IS LOCATED BY THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.16 OBSERVED NO GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AVAILABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS/BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED BASEMENT WALLS NOT COVED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER COVING IN ORDER TO MAKE WALL SURFACES TIGHT FITTING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR CLEAN UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pizza Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pizza Cantina on file is from Sep 30, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pizza Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Pizza Cantina.
Has Pizza Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Pizza Cantina have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pizza Cantina 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 Pizza Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pizza Cantina is inspected around two times per year on average.
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