Don Matias Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
43
Score
Going back to 2022, Don Matias Cafe has nine inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Jan 13, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around nine violations to closer to 13 violations per visit.
“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
That's lower than the typical Hialeah Gardens restaurant, which scores around 66. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. Located at front counter area.
16-20-4
High Priority - Open food re-served to customers. Observed glass open containers with chimichurria, and hot sauce served to customers. See stop sale.
07-06-5
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 form during inspection.
11-27-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed Bug zapper on top of prep table installed over food preparation Located near walk in freezer.
35B-02-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Reach in cooler near cook line area.
05-09-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Kitchen.
36-30-4
43
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed on the preparation table at cook line a squeeze bottle with Italian dressing not labeled. - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
02D-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Person in charge unable to answered the prop thermometer calibration. Coached operator on how to calibrate probe thermometer. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
53A-14-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
11-07-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn, unit located at cook line next to the steam table. - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in freezer. - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. Observed in used wet wiping cloth stored on the preparation table. - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
21-02-4
64
Aug 5, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 7 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employees in the kitchen going from task to task while preparing food without washing their hands properly in the hand wash sink or changing their gloves. Spoke to employees and owner in regard to proper hand washing techniques. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed 3+ small flying insects flying over a preparation table located next to the steam table at preparation and storage area before the cook line. Also observed 2 flying insects flying over storage shelves at cook line, not landing on the food.
35A-02-7
High Priority - Metal stem-type thermometer soiled.
22-12-5
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw eggs stored in container at room temperature on the preparation table at cook line. Operator placed container with eggs in ice to rapidly cool. Observed cooked rice in a container at cooked rice (70 F - Cold Holding), as per cook out of the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Instructed operator to place rice back in the fridge to rapidly cool down. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter chicken empanadas (122F - Hot Holding); stuffed potatoes (100F - Hot Holding), as per employee stored in unit for less than 2 hours. Instructed operator to reheat food. **Corrective Action Taken**
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 in the walk in cooler a container with homemade sauce prepared for over 24 hours not date marked.
02C-02-5
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
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed operator washing his hand in the three compartment sink.
12A-03-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink located at kitchen.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed on the preparation table at cook line a squeeze bottle with Italian dressing not labeled.
02D-02-4
Intermediate - Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Person in charge unable to answered the prop thermometer calibration. Coached operator on how to calibrate probe thermometer. **Corrective Action Taken**
53A-14-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler exterior soiled, cooler located next to the steam table at cook line.
23-24-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food with no hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn, unit located at cook line next to the steam table.
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven with heavy grease accumulation.
22-08-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer observed in hot holding unit located at front counter.
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed plastic liner placed on shelves used to store plates and microwave above the steam table soiled. Also observed surface soiled under the preparation table at cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in freezer.
14-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. Observed in used wet wiping cloth stored on the preparation table.
21-02-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on the preparation table. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
21-09-4
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 in contact with raw sugar, stored on storage shelves by the walk in freezer.
10-01-5
14
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the preparation table at cook line cooked rice (68F - Hot Holding), as per employee left out of temperature less than 2 hours.instructed employee to reheat food and keep it at minimum hot holding temperature or above. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler door handle soiled, cooler located against the wall at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walk in cooler floor soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor in disrepair underneath the door at cook line.
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer located at prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven at cook line with old grease accumulation.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed oven handle soiled. Observed hood filters with heavy grease accumulation. Observed soil residue and grease buildup on storage area underneath the grill at cook line. Observed soil buildup inside storage drawer under the preparation table at cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed tin foil ripped on a storage shelf under the grill at cook line, also underneath a small preparation table at cook line.
14-20-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed raw pork belly, cut tomatoes, cut lettuce, sausage stored in reach in cooler located at cook line not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
55
Oct 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In a small preparation cooler at cook line observed raw beef stored over cheese.
08A-05-6
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed hand wash sink faucet handle with soil and dirt buildup, HWS located at cook line.
23-24-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable, stored over preparation table at cook line.
14-09-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at prep station.
14-69-4
Basic - In the walk in freezer a box of raw Sawi fish Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor.
08B-47-4
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 in touching the sugar.
10-01-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed a small preparation cooler at cook line interior soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in freezer.
38-04-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
58
Feb 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed ham (57F - Cold Holding)and cheese (54F - Cold Holding) all cold holding at reach in cooler across from cook line. As per chef, stored at reach in cooler since previous day.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ham (57F - Cold Holding)and cheese (54F - Cold Holding) all cold holding at reach in cooler across from cook line. As per chef, stored at reach in cooler since previous day.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken at walk in cooler with no time marked. As per chef made more than 24 hours.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Located at handsink next to 3 compartment sink.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station.
14-14-4
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 salmon stored inside packaging at walk in cooler. Chef removed salmon from packaging. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Shelves at walk in cooler soiled. Obseved fan cover at walk in cooler soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef stored at walk in cooler not covered.
08B-12-5
47
Oct 26, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed chlorine sanitizer over 150 ppm, employee added water to the solution to bring it down to 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed small oven/Toaster located in front of the steam table in the preparation area soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed two lights burned out in the hood system.
36-62-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food storage shelves by the stove in the kitchen with grease accumulation.
23-03-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitizer bucket stored on the preparation table in the kitchen, employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers.
21-02-4
61
Feb 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Employee provided paper towels. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed cups stored on the floor at storage area. Employee stored cups on shelves more than six inches above the floor **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed container with raw shrimp thawing at room temperature. Employee put raw shrimp container under cold running water for proper thawing. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. In walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container with flour at kitchen no labeled with name.
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water bottles stored on the floor at storage area. Employee stored. Water bottles more than six inches above the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
55
Sep 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef stored on top of a sack of potatoes inside walk in cooler. Employee moved raw beef to a shelf away from unwashed vegetables. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cleaning cloth stored inside hand wash sink at kitchen.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing all purpose cleaner no labeled. Employee labeled spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen and storage areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed in front of walk in freezer.
36-22-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug control device above preparation table used as a juice station next to steam table.
35B-02-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Don Matias Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Don Matias Cafe on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Don Matias Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Don Matias Cafe.
How does Don Matias Cafe compare to other restaurants in Hialeah Gardens?
Don Matias Cafe most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah Gardens average of 66.
Has Don Matias Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Don Matias Cafe have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Don Matias 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 Don Matias Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Don Matias Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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