Essence of India
Last inspected: Feb 5, 2026
100
Score
Going back to 2022, Essence of India has 11 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 5, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around seven violations, down from roughly 10 violations earlier in the record.
When inspectors have written things up, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Among Tallahassee restaurants, the typical score is 87; Essence of India is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 5, 2026
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jan 26, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for less than 4 hours: Lamb 45F Beef 47F Chick peas 45F Chicken curry 46F. Operator placed food items inside walk in cooler during time of inspection. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Raw chicken 56F Grilled chicken 47F **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Raw chicken 56F Grilled chicken 47F
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dish cleaner inside handwashing sink near bar entrance.
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin near walk in cooler.
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles throughout kitchen accumulated with dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board inside kitchen across from stove has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair inside kitchen near three compartment sink.
36-17-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood vents soiled with grease, and food debris. Observed exterior of heavy duty blender soiled with food debris. Observed exterior of white deep freezer soiled with dirt, grease and food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box containing plastic cups and lids stored on floor near bar area. Operator properly placed items during time of inspection.
25-05-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken, onion sauce and butter sauce uncovered inside walk in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall behind three compartment sink soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
36-27-5
43
Jul 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding less than 4 hours: Lamb 44F Chicken 44F. Operator placed food items inside walk in cooler during time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soda provided at hand-sink in kitchen and bar area. Operator added soap to sink during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO tanks behind bar are not properly secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceilings vents throughout kitchen accumulated with dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. I serene employee beverage on prep sink in kitchen. Operator threw away drink during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Missing floor tile near entrance to bar area.
36-17-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall in prep area soiled with food debris.
36-27-5
58
Feb 27, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
32
Dec 13, 2024
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Aug 28, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored green yogurt sauce in walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tomato curry sauce 46°F and curry chicken 55°F I walk in cooler, per manager stored more than 24 hours.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tomato sauce 46°F and curry chicken 55°F I walk in cooler, per manager stored more than 24 hours.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink in bar area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing, spoons inside handwashing sink near employee entrance.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths, for chlorine.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at sink in bar area. **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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed co2 tanks not secured behind bar area. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing near 3 compartment sink.
36-36-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pans stored upright on shelving throughout kitchen.
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone stored on expo cooler.
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting of pans in ware washing area.
24-08-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair in ware washing area and bar area.
36-17-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored directly on ice machine.
10-12-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water 113°F.
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven, stove, microwave soiled with food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, in bar area.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood vents soiled with grease, Also observed soda gun and soda gun holster soiled with slime and mold like substance in bar area. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed clam shell containers stored in the floor near employee entrance to kitchen.
25-05-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled throughout kitchen area.
36-27-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
18
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
86
Oct 12, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 11, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked goat 45F and cooked beef 45F in expo cooler near walk in cooler, per manager stored overnight.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed goat 45F and beef 45F in expo cooler near walk in cooler, per manager stored overnight.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes 52F in expo cooler near servers area. Per manager stored 40 minutes ago, placed in ice bath.
03A-02-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed co2 tanks not secured, bar area.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed hood vents soiled with grease and food, also observed AC vents with dust accumulation.
36-34-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors with old food debris near ovens and storage areas.
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tile missing in bar area.
36-17-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils stored in standing water 82F next to oven.
10-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at sink in bar area.
31B-04-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken pieces and shrimp not covered in expo cooler near servers area and also rice in walk in cooler not covered, goat and beef also not covered expo cooler near walk in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths stored on prep tables.
21-12-4
43
Mar 27, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dishes in hand wash sink in front kitchen area.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. 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-03-7
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in interior of ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed drink bottles stored on floor behind bar.
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at sink in bar area.
31B-04-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken in walk in cooler uncovered.
08B-12-5
64
Sep 15, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed paper napkins stored on floor in dry storage.
25-05-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken in walk in cooler uncovered. Manager covered chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed two missing ceiling tiles about the three compartment sink.
36-36-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting in shallow pans right of three compartment sink.
24-08-4
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Essence of India last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Essence of India on file is from Feb 5, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Essence of India?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Essence of India.
How does Essence of India compare to other restaurants in Tallahassee?
Essence of India most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Tallahassee average of 87.
Has Essence of India's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Essence of India have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Essence of India 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 Essence of India inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Essence of India is inspected around three times per year on average.
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