Centro Cantina
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
70
Score
Centro Cantina has been inspected 11 times since 2022. Centro Cantina was last inspected on Apr 17, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
That's lower than the typical Tampa restaurant, which scores around 79. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment is open and serving food/ drinks to the public. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Plastic container and brushes in Handwash sink in kitchen.
31A-11-4
70
Jul 30, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen on.
22-02-4
90
Apr 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bleach spray bottle on prep table in kitchen. **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked Beans and multiple items in reach in cooler. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled pink liquid at bar. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee green Gatorade bottle on top of drink machines in kitchen. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee opened Gatorade Bottle in large reach in cooler in kitchen. **Warning**
12B-13-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout kitchen. **Warning**
36-27-5
30
Dec 26, 2024
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Plastic containers in handwash sink. Operator removed.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in bar.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with pink liquid at bar.
41-17-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw chicken thawing in 3 compartment sink without running water.
06-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen.
22-08-4
55
Apr 22, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen.
22-02-4
90
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Oct 26, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: salsa 46 F, guac 50 F, open put on ice at time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Bulk box of foil on handwash sink in kitchen. Operator removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with clear liquid at bar.
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Bulk box of plastic cups on floor in kitchen.
24-07-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Kitchen and bar.
36-01-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Onions in reach in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls near grill and frozen drink machines.
36-27-5
50
Aug 3, 2023
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Feb 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine outside of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole in ceiling tile over door in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on to top of reach in cooler in bar area. Employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on top of reach in cooler in bar area. Employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets soiled on reach in cooler across from grill in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-14: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
70
Feb 8, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Cooked chicken labeled 1-16-23 and 1-26-23. **Warning**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Cooked chicken labeled 1-16-23 and 1-26-23. **Warning**
02C-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine outside of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole in ceiling tile over door in kitchen. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on to top of reach in cooler in bar area. Employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on top of reach in cooler in bar area. Employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Three compartment sink unable to hold wash water in first bay. Operator duct taped pipe under three compartment sink. Bay is able to hold water for ware washing. **Corrective Action Taken** **Admin Complaint**
16-13-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets soiled on reach in cooler across from grill in kitchen. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Water leaking from pipe under handwash sink in kitchen and from under three compartment sink. Three compartment sink unable to hold wash water in first bay. **Admin Complaint**
29-11-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
45
Dec 6, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Bartender at bar put lime on beer without gloves, using bare hands. **Warning**
09-01-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 8 live roaches under microwave in kitchen. 10 live roaches in glue trap approximately. 1 live roach under grill in kitchen. 1 live roach under drink machines in kitchen. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies in kitchen. 5 live flies under grill in kitchen. 2 live bees at bar area. 4 live flies under shelf next to kitchen door. **Warning**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing at bar contains ice and straws. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen stained. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Chelsea Camacho. **Warning**
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on desk in kitchen. 1 dead roach under grill in kitchen. 1 dead roach on chair in kitchen. 2 dead roaches under reach in cooler in kitchen. 1 dead roach under prep table. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 25 dead roaches in glue trap. **Warning**
35A-06-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine next to kitchen door. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses on prep table. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Wall behind grill and under bar counter soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler and gaskets on cook line soiled with old food debris. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bulk chips held on floor. Operator rearranged at time of inspection. Cases of beer on floor in dry storage area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on top of reach in cooler at bar. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food and Gatorade held over food for establishment in reach in cooler next to three compartment sink. Operator relocated at time of inspection to prevent cross contamination. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on top of microwave in kitchen next to grill. Employee removed at time of inspection inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12B-07-4
25
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Centro Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Centro Cantina on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Centro Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Centro Cantina.
How does Centro Cantina compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Centro Cantina most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Centro Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Centro Cantina have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Centro 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 Centro Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Centro Cantina is inspected around three times per year on average.
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