Buona Ristorante
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Buona Ristorante 11 times, with records going back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 17, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around four violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “interior of oven/microwave has accumulation” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
By comparison, the average St. Pete Beach facility scores 76, putting Buona Ristorante on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided to manager during inspection **Repeat Violation**
03F-10-5
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.
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled sanitizer bottle at wait station
41-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Pizza oven handle
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils in 80F water on cook line, removed **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
67
Nov 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer in spray bottle not at proper minimum strength. Quaternary sanitizer bucket on cook line testing at 0 PPM. Checked chemical coming out of line in three compartment sink and it also tested at 0 PPM. The establishment has Germicidal Bleach for sanitization. Person in charge called to get the quaternary dispenser serviced.
22-40-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1- 6 Lb. 6 oz. dented an of Pomodori A Pera.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand sink next to walk in cooler. Paper towels stocked. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine strips. Quaternary strips observed have gotten wet and are no longer useable.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Missing for sliced of pizza. Observed time stamp. Provided person in charge of Time as a Public Health Control Written Procedures (5022-090). **Corrective Action Taken**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting boards on reach in cooler.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Trash can with box of plastic wrap stored in front of hand sink. Sanitizer bucket stored inside hand sink next to walk in cooler. Inspector moved items. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing at hand sink near walk in cooler. Inspector proved hand sign. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave interior soiled with dried food debris.
22-08-4
41
May 13, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 10 ppm, discovered rinse and sani tubing was reversed. Corrected tubing now 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cooked lasagna covered hot and placed in walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-15-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee portioning pasta **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooked lasagna stored on floor in walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spatulas on cooks line. **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Drain under dish area clogged. Service called.
29-08-4
64
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Removed hand sink in dish area during renovation of kitchen after storm surge. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-22: **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Remodeled kitchen after storm no plan review. Moved ice machine on opposite side of kitchen and removed hand sink in dish area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-22: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven on cook line soiled with food debris burnt on. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-22: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
78
Jan 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee put on gloves no hand wash. Educated employee and he washed his hands and put on clean gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken wings over raw shrimp in reach in freezer not all packaged. Employee removed chicken wings to lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in reach in cooler no date mark. Employee dated milk. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with food debris, mixer head soiled. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Removed hand sink in dish area during renovation of kitchen after storm surge. **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Remodeled kitchen after storm no plan review. Moved ice machine on opposite side of kitchen and removed hand sink in dish area. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spatulas in standing water 70F in kitchen. Employee removed spatulas and water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed drink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven on cook line soiled with food debris burnt on. **Warning**
22-08-4
43
Apr 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over cooked sausage in walk in cooler. Employee moved eggs to lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dented can of great northern beans on dry storage shelf with food to be served to the public.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained on deli r3zh in coolers on cook line, soda nozzle area on soda fountain in kitchen soiled, **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine has black mold like debris. Employee cleaned area during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Dented can of great northern beans on dry storage shelf with food to be served to the public.
08B-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of thermal tek oven soiled with burnt on food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
58
Dec 7, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Touched ears and ear buds with gloved hands then to cut sausages no hand wash and glove change. Employee educated and directed to wash hands and change gloves. Employee washed hands and put on clean gloves. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken in metal pan over raw shrimp in reach in freezer. Employee moved shrimp to higher shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Behind and around Soda nozzles soiled with mold like debris, cutting boards stained, mixer head soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date mark on lasagna in cooler made 12-5. Employee dated lasagna. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of cleaner in wait station area no label. Employee labeled cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine has mold like debris.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Exterior of dish machine has build up of debris. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed 2-1-2023
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards on deli reach in cooler have cut marks, **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee wallet on counter next to pizza oven. Employee moved wallet. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on pizza oven door. Employee removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of toaster oven soiled with food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Open sports drink in reach in cooler. Employee removed drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
37
Sep 5, 2023
Complaint Full
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
95
Jun 26, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 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. Pizza in cabinet holding for slices employee knew time but not documented. Employee placed slip with time on cabinet. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm chlorine dish machine. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.2-1-2023 expired license. Operator renewed license disputing inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained, **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Large pot in front of hand sink on cook line. Employee removed pot. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. No proof of food service manager certification **Warning**
53A-01-7
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Soiled with debris exterior of dish machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Dish machine not sanitizing at time of inspection. **Warning**
16-55-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils in standing water 88F. Employee removed water and utensils to dish. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven soiled with burnt on food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Take out containers not inverted on cook line. Employee inverted. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth on counter in prep area. Employee moved to sanitizer bucket. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-12-4
35
Mar 29, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cooks line. - From follow-up inspection 2023-01-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-03-29: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buona Ristorante last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Buona Ristorante on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Buona Ristorante?
Across the inspection record, “interior of oven/microwave has accumulation” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Buona Ristorante.
How does Buona Ristorante compare to other restaurants in St. Pete Beach?
Buona Ristorante most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Pete Beach average of 76.
Has Buona Ristorante's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Buona Ristorante have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Buona Ristorante 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 Buona Ristorante inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Buona Ristorante is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants