Empanola

4618 Opa Locka Ln Unit B, Destin, FL 32541

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Dec 10, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged six inspections at Empanola, the earliest from 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 10, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.

Across the inspection history, “no paper towels” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Compared to the broader Destin restaurant scene, where the average is 90, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 10, 2025

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Aug 16, 2024

Routine - Food

3 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Intermediate - Lack of toilet tissue at each toilet in women's restroom.

32-11-5

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter. **Repeat Violation**

31B-02-4

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at front counter. **Repeat Violation**

31B-03-4

Basic - Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Thawing- raw chicken 55F (9:59-10:50). Employee placed chicken in upright cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**

06-06-5

Basic - Ceiling tile missing in women's restroom **Repeat Violation**

36-36-4

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation**

50-09-4

Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use at front food contact surface in front of Ninja machine.

21-10-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Thawing- raw chicken 55F (9:59-10:50) in prep sink with no cold running water.

06-01-5

Jan 3, 2024

Routine - Food

5 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Will address on time extended call back in 60 days. **Repeat Violation**

53A-02-7

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.

16-37-1

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter and in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**

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. Will address on time extended callback in 60 days. **Repeat Violation**

53B-01-5

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at front counter or in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**

31B-03-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open employee drink stored on prep table at expo next to silverware and napkins.

12B-07-4

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys stored on prep table at expo next to rolled silverware and napkins.

40-06-5

Basic - Stored food not covered. Sprinkle dipped banana stored in glass reach in freezer uncovered.

08B-12-5

Nov 30, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken and shell eggs stored on shelf above lettuce in reach in cooler.

08A-04-5

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**

53A-02-7

53B-01-5

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

50-09-4

Jan 19, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Toilet Rooms Maintained

FL-53

Oct 21, 2022

Food-Licensing Inspection

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Single-Use/Single-Service Articles Properly Stored and Used

FL-45

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Empanola last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Empanola on file is from Dec 10, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Empanola?

Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Empanola.

How does Empanola compare to other restaurants in Destin?

Empanola most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Destin average of 90.

Has Empanola's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Empanola have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Empanola means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Empanola inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Empanola is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Crab Island Commissary

3912 Mesa Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Emerald Bay

40001 Emerald Coast Pkwy

Score: 100 — Low Risk

The Eventful Planner

150 Industrial Park Rd Ste 2

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Destin → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Florida → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Destin