Cepas Tapas
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
70
Score
Across the available record, Cepas Tapas has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 18, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately and about nine violations before that.
“Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Tampa facility scores 79, putting Cepas Tapas on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Quaternary ammonia tested at over 500ppm. Employee readjusted sanitizer to 150ppm at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
11-07-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
70
Jun 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
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
50
Jan 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee placed cutting board in Employee handwash sink in back kitchen area. Employee removed cutting board during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: Sheep pan placed over Employee handwash sink during time of inspection. **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. 1 cutting board located inside front line cook area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Located on dry storage rack above three compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: Old labels on squeeze bottles and containers above three compartment sink. **Time Extended**
16-46-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Box of plantains stored on Walk in freezer floor. Operator relocated plantains to an approved location during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: Several boxes of frozen foods stored on floor of Walk in freezer during time of inspection. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
78
Jan 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Maiz morado and bomba rice were contaminated with black beetle-like insects. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 50 black beetle-like insects inside maiz morado and bomba rice bin in dry storage. Operator discarded both rice and maiz. Removed, cleaned, and sanitized area during time of inspection. **Warning**
35A-09-4
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. A vomit and diarrhea clean up plan has been emailed to the operator during time of inspection. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee placed cutting board in Employee handwash sink in back kitchen area. Employee removed cutting board during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle on chemical rack next to Employee handwash sink. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice bin has black mold-like substance. Located in dry storage room. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. 1 cutting board located inside front line cook area. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Box of plantains stored on Walk in freezer floor. Operator relocated plantains to an approved location during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Located on dry storage rack above three compartment sink. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Community dumpster. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Bicycle stored inside storage room. Operator removed bicycle during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
33-31-5
39
May 16, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. -1 cracked raw shell egg inside right Avantco reach in cooler. Operator removed shell egg during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-14-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -Observed raw shell eggs stored over shredded cheese and cooked hard boiled eggs in right Avantco reach in cooler. Operator removed eggs to bottom shelf at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Tomato sauce
01B-01-4
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 carton and heavy whipping cream in reach in cooler opened more than 24 hours not date marked. Operator date marked milk and cream during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -Observed employee personal drink stored on shelf above right Avantco reach in cooler. Operator removed drink at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. -Employee personal drinks not segregated from food served to the public. Discussed with employee and removed at time inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Dented can of tomato sauce
08B-20-4
47
Sep 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
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. Manager signed and some employees signed **Corrective Action Taken**
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 meat balls reach in cooler not dated
02C-02-5
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. 1 employee training expired
53B-14-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.water bottle above food preparation station.
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 prep cutting board
40-06-5
47
Jun 23, 2023
Routine - Food
5 major violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Provided by email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-23: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. For Quaternary **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-23: **Time Extended**
16-33-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Provided by email **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-23: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Door and trash can. Operator closed door **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-23: Food thawing in hand washing sink **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/4 employees **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-23: 4 employees no food manager. **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
61
Apr 12, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.raw fish and octopus raw over fresh greens and onions. Main prep cooler across from three compartment sink. Operator removed to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Eggs reach in cooler by oven. **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: crab Balls 47 f operator placed in cooler **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. For Quaternary **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-33-4
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. Provided by email **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Door and trash can. Operator closed door **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/4 employees **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53A-05-6
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. Provided by email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
33
Dec 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled egg over ready to eat basil reach in cooler far end by oven operator placed in proper storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche not identified on Menu **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. For Quaternary ammonia **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Egg omelette and empanadas reach in cooler main prep not dated **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Alcohol bottles in boxes on floor by ice machine. Frozen raw meats fish and shrimp in boxes on floor of freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cepas Tapas last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cepas Tapas on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cepas Tapas?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cepas Tapas.
How does Cepas Tapas compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Cepas Tapas most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Cepas Tapas' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cepas Tapas have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cepas Tapas 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 Cepas Tapas inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cepas Tapas is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants