Bento Cafe
Last inspected: Oct 29, 2025
50
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Bento Cafe, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Oct 29, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near six violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
That's lower than the typical Gainesville restaurant, which scores around 75. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
13
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Single-Use/Single-Service Articles Properly Stored and Used
FL-45
50
Jul 18, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed multiple return air vents have an accumulation of dust/soil, kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-18: No change **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed: the duct taped reach-in cooler has four time/temperature control for safety foods over 41. One door is duct taped shut. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-18: No change **Time Extended**
14-74-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed: duct tape used to keep the door on the prep table with temperature issues, by the ice machine. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-18: No change **Time Extended**
14-71-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed: walk-in cooler door has an accumulation of soil. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-18: No change **Time Extended**
23-03-4
82
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
50
Jan 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed: the shroud in the ice maker is soiled. ALSO, the freestyle diffuser disk has buildup. **Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. Observed: the men,s restroom is blocked off, out of order. There are 2 women's restroom available for use.
32-05-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed: a 3 door reach-in cooler in the kitchen is not operating. ALSO, a reach-in cooler is stored outside of the office and is not currently in use.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed: bulk onions are on the floor of the dry storage area. ALSO, bulk soy sauce is stored on the floor by the office.
08B-38-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed the drain for the freestyle machine is draining slowly.
29-20-5
Basic - Twenty (20) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in handwashing, warewashing, or equipment and utensil storage areas. Observed: no working light in the dry storage area, room is dark.
38-02-4
70
Aug 19, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed: prep/cook staff hike pants and continue working, no glove change.
12A-09-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed: the ice maker shroud with dark foreign substance on the shroud and internal lip. ALSO, on the freestyle machine, the clear disk at the diffuser has buildup, this item **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed: only 1 current certificate, with more than one staff over 60 days.
53B-14-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed: dry goods on the prep line being scooped with a handless bowl.
14-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed: the gaskets on the reach-in cooler, sushi line, are soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed: a case of single serve bowls on the floor in prep.
25-05-4
61
Jun 24, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Observed: the pooled eggs for the panko area lacked a time stamp. An adjusted time stamp was then being added. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-24: No time mark **Time Extended**
03F-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed: the walk-in cooler: chicken 46,47,48. Cream cheese 46F. door is now being shut each time, coils are about to be cleaned. ALSO, the sushi area: ice bags are added. There is a fan on the sushi line that blows directly on the cold hold unit, with temperatures over 41F on the top and 43-41F below. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-24: Walk-in cooler: teriyaki chicken 45F **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed the walk-in cooler with temperatures over 41F. The walk-in cooler must be manually shut each time, it does not close on its own. The coils for the walk-in cooler fans are covered with a matting of dust. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-24: Some cleaning of the coils has occurred. Chicken 45 **Admin Complaint**
14-74-7
70
Jun 21, 2024
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed a dented can at the office window, dented.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed: the walk-in cooler: chicken 46,47,48. Cream cheese 46F. door is now being shut each time, coils are about to be cleaned. ALSO, the sushi area: ice bags are added. There is a fan on the sushi line that blows directly on the cold hold unit, with temperatures over 41F on the top and 43-41F below. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Observed: the pooled eggs for the panko area lacked a time stamp. An adjusted time stamp was then being added. **Corrective Action Taken**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed lack of back flow device on the non chemical side of the splitter in the mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed: a new price menu was on the counter and stand, not clearly denoting the consumer advisory. Older menus were returned to the counter and stand for customer access. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the free style drink dispenser with an accumulation of build up. ALSO, the ice chute has dried splash up.
22-02-4
Basic - Clean-out/floor drain cap missing from plumbing line/floor drain. Observed: lack of a drain cover on the cook line by the back door.
29-24-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed the walk-in cooler with temperatures over 41F. The walk-in cooler must be manually shut each time, it does not close on its own. The coils for the walk-in cooler fans are covered with a matting of dust. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed: 2 cell phones stored on prep shelves in the kitchen.
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed: bulk oil stored on the floor on the cook line.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on the sushi line are soiled. Also the back walkway has an accumulation grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed the communal dumpster lid is open.
33-16-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed: cove molding base tiles in the dish wash machine area are not in place.
36-03-4
32
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed: shrimp on the cook line, in an ice bath 48F. Water was added with more ice, the shrimp was divided, half was placed below. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed: lack of a vacuum breaker on the non chemical side of the splitter at the mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards that are stained in the cook area.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed: Tiara lacks a Certified Food Manager card.
53A-01-7
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed a wet cloth under a cutting board in the kitchen.
21-04-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed: the last inspection is not available for review.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed: the area around the ice chute for the freestyle is soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed: multiple clean metal pans with old stickers on them.
16-46-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked chicken in the walk-in freezer, 35F, not covered.
08B-12-5
47
Sep 19, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Observed: chicken on the cook line with todays date, no time stamp.
03F-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed lack of back flow device on the non chemical side of the splitter in the mop sink.
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the coke freestyle multiport nozzle and ice chute with an accumulation of debris.
22-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an employee thermos stored over plastic wrap on a food cart. The drink was moved below. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Soiled cloths, linen, aprons, coats, or other uniform apparel not kept in a suitable container prior to laundering. Observed used apron stored on the prep table under the expo window. This was moved to laundry. **Corrected On-Site**
21-14-4
61
Jun 23, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
67
Oct 19, 2022
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
74
Jul 12, 2022
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Jul 1, 2022
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tofu made the day before and left in the Walk-in Cooler at 45F. Observed wonton mix on prep table for 45 minutes at 63F. employee placed in ric
03A-02-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed expired license dated 6/1/2022
50-17-2
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed tofu made the day before and left in the Walk-in Cooler at 45F
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board in kitchen soiled
22-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cellphone over prep table.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed male employee preparing food in kitchen with no hair restraint/
13-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under water that was barely running/dripping. Observed chicken in prep sink thawing with not running water. Chicken was at 41F
06-08-5
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed nonfunctional ice machine in kitchen
33-31-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed avocados in Walk-in Cooler over ready to eat sauce
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth kept on the cutting board to clean cutting board and prep table surface.
21-12-4
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bento Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bento Cafe on file is from Oct 29, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bento Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Bento Cafe.
How does Bento Cafe compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?
Bento Cafe most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Gainesville average of 75.
Has Bento Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Bento Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Bento Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Bento Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bento Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.
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