Cubavana Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 29, 2026
39
Score
Inspectors have visited Cubavana Cafe 11 times, with records going back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 29, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 19 violations each, up from closer to nine violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface”, which has been cited six times.
Restaurants in Cutler Bay average 70, so Cubavana Cafe trails the local norm. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 29, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef (50 F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (50 F - Cold Holding)at reach in cooler underneath the grill. As per employee less than 2 hours. Employee moved all the food to the reach in cooler at the sandwich station. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed empanadas (115 F - Hot Holding)inside the hot box at the front counter. As per employee less than 2 hours. **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooked pork, cooked beef, cooked chicken held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-12-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic container with potatoes stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle inside the sugar at the front counter.
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a cup in standing water at 120 F at the front line. **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef inside the reach in freezer not covered, employee covered it. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside the bucket.
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed multiple wiping clothes stored on preparation table at the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar at the front counter not labeled.
02D-01-5
39
Sep 5, 2025
Routine - Food
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a small cup used as scoop inside the salt container in the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed a small cup used as scoop inside the salt container in the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents with accumulation of grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed ceiling tiles and vents with accumulation of grease. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the 3 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed floor area(s) covered with standing water by the 3 compartment sink. **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in freezer shelves and bottom soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed soil residue standing reach in freezer shelves and bottom soiled. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door. **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at reach in cooler by the back door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed standing water at reach in cooler by the back door. **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in coolershelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Walk-in coolershelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed walls soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
36-27-5
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. Observed a cell phone stored above preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-05: Observed a cell phone stored above preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it again. **Time Extended**
40-06-5
55
Sep 2, 2025
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 2 major violations. 21 minor violations.
View 30 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. Observed chlorine sanitizer at the dishwasher was 0 ppm. It was fixed chlorine sanitizer reached 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracked eggs and then handled clean equipment without washing hands. **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed chlorine sanitizer at the dishwasher was 0 ppm. It was fixed chlorine sanitizer reached 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-45-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed French fries stored inside supermarket bag in the reach in cooler. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above sweet plantains inside the reach in cooler by the service window **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sweet plantains (111 F - Hot Holding) as per employee less than 1 hours. **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed they do not have chlorine test strips for The dishwasher. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooked pork held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a small cup used as scoop inside the salt container in the kitchen area. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents with accumulation of grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 4 Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Stop sale was issued. **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee drinking in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored above preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen area. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area. **Warning**
36-12-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed at the salt container in the kitchen area. **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop on top of the ice machine. **Warning**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 125°F in preparation table. Employee changed the water to 137°F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled. Also Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an opened employee water bottle stored inside the reach in cooler by the service window. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in freezer shelves and bottom soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door. **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at reach in cooler by the back door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Walk-in coolershelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at preparation table in the kitchen. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt not labeled in the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
10
Mar 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at dry storage at kitchen area rusted and pitted. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line grooved. Observed cutting board grooved at work station next to service window at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers at ware washing area wet nesting. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in reach in cooler located at kitchen area next to service window torn and in poor repair. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler at cook line under flattop griddle. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
74
Feb 25, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
25
Nov 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
30
Mar 6, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee picked a sanitizer paper wrap from the floor continued to engage in food preparation and failed to wash hands prior, coached employee and manager on proper hand washing techniques. Employee proceeded to wash hands independently. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In the reach in cooler located across from the mop sink observed raw hamburger stored over raw steak.
08A-20-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled, located at cook line.
22-08-4
70
Oct 17, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored in a plastic container observed Chicken Noodle Soup (129 F - Hot Holding), as per manager for less than 1 hour. Manager reheating soup to store it in a hot holding unit by the oven. Stored on the stove observed cooked vegetables (109F - Hot Holding), as per cook for less than 30 minutes, employee reheating food. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-17:
03B-01-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. RIC located in front of the prep sink in the kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-17: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
82
Jul 24, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw shrimp, vegetables. Manager reorganized RIF.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored in a plastic container observed Chicken Noodle Soup (129 F - Hot Holding), as per manager for less than 1 hour. Manager reheating soup to store it in a hot holding unit by the oven. Stored on the stove observed cooked vegetables (109F - Hot Holding), as per cook for less than 30 minutes, employee reheating food. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler observed raw ground beef stored over boiled potatoes, manager placed raw beef on the bottom. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Edgari Garrido, Yosany Santoya, Claudia Morales, Mercedes Cue, Carlos Munoz.
53B-05-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. RIF located in the storage area.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. RIF located in the storage interior have accumulation of soil residues
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. RIC located in front of the prep sink in the kitchen.
14-33-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
14-20-4
41
Feb 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. HWS located in the kitchen blocked a garbage can. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots not stored inverted on the oven located in the cook line.
24-05-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife stored in between cracks in the reach in cooler located by the sandwich station.
10-17-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Located next to the hot holding unit in the kitchen.
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located by the prep sink in the back of the kitchen.
14-33-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezer located at front line.
22-16-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Under small prep table in the preparation area, next to the hot holding unit.
14-20-4
58
Aug 11, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler observed raw pork stored over cooked chicken.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored in containers on the prep table observed butter (60F - Cold Holding), as per employee for less than 1 hour. Employee placed butter in ice for a rapid cool. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In the hot holding unit at front counter observed ham and cheese (129F - Hot Holding), as per manager for for less than 4 hours. Employee reheating food.
03B-01-6
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/
53A-05-6
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler by the hand sink near the fryer in the kitchen.
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. In the walk in cooler observed cooked beans not covered.
08B-12-5
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cubavana Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cubavana Cafe on file is from Jan 29, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cubavana Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Cubavana Cafe.
How does Cubavana Cafe compare to other restaurants in Cutler Bay?
Cubavana Cafe most recently scored 39 out of 100, which is lower than the Cutler Bay average of 70.
Has Cubavana Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Cubavana Cafe have averaged around 19 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Cubavana 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 Cubavana Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cubavana Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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