Gusto Italian Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
21
Score
Gusto Italian Restaurant appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 15, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 15 violations lately compared to roughly 10 violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Gusto Italian Restaurant's latest score of 21 falls below the Jacksonville Beach average of 73. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
4
Critical latest
4
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in bar in ice container with hinged lid Blue cheese stuffed olives (50F - Cold Holding). Observed on counter in front of pizza service area Butter pats (61F - Cold Holding). Manager removed and placed in walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed in stand alone cooler near salad station 2 non food grade to go bags storing bread slices. Manager discarded the bread. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining spinach in a container located in stand alone cooler near salad station . Manager removed paper towel. **Corrected On-Site**
14-86-1
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed package of Krazy glue stored over food preparation near food storage.
41-10-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed multiple spray bottles containing chemical substances without labels. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
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/ Observed 4 or more employees engaging in food preparation without a certified food manager on duty. **Repeat Violation**
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. Observed some employee food training not available for employee employed from 2024.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed sauces in large buckets in walk in cooler without date marks. Employee stated they were made last Saturday.
02C-02-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed light shining from outside at back kitchen exit door.
35B-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed employee hand washing sign for employee hand washing station missing at pizza cooking area . Inspector will provide copy of employee handwashing sign. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed filters over grill soiled with grease. Observed walk in cooler door gasket soiled with mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed in food storage large container of flour with scoop handle inside of flour. Employee removed and stored properly . **Corrected On-Site**
24-18-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed area near ware washing concrete floor not sealed also area front of walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled with mold like substance near ice chute of unit. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in walk in cooler large bucket of sauce its metal pan without a handle used to dispense. Manager removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed in food storage area CO2 tank not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on prep areas located on cook line. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone stored on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
21
Oct 30, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
29
Jun 3, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employee 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/ Observed no certified food service manager on duty with four or more employee engaged in food preparation/handling.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing sanitizer without label. Employee placed label on spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on reach in cooler. Employee removed and stored properly . **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed multiple cloths used to line the bottom on reach in coolers.
21-05-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed dishes stored in soiled dish rack on dry rack.
24-06-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 Filter in storage room not adequately secured
51-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled near ice chute of unit.
22-20-5
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed area near ware washing concrete floor not sealed also area front of walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
23-03-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed bag of onions,carrots and case of lettuce stored floor of walk in cooler. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-47-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed light shining from outside at bottom of exit door. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
47
Nov 21, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
74
Jun 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 flying insects in kitchen near ware washing area.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing degreaser without a label. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in cooler in pizza area soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed area near ware washing concrete floor not sealed also area front of walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed light shield cracked near ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
38-01-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tongs on pizza door handle located in pizza area. Manager removed and stored tongs properly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed light shining from outside at bottom of back door of kitchen.
35B-01-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not adequately secured in dry storage area. Manager properly secured tanks. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
58
May 7, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In dry storage area, multiple chemicals stored next to containers of fryer oil. Chemicals moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Server in kitchen touched nose with bare hand and immediately handled clean pan and ice scoop without washing hands. Inspector coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-10-4
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. In front bar reach in cooler, two containers of cream opened two days prior not dated. Employee dated items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Long white cutting board in front of flip top cooler in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In walk in cooler, marinara sauce, lasagna and pans of pasta all prepared two days prior not dated. Employee dated items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing blue chemical cleaner stored on shelf below prep table near cook line in kitchen. Bottle labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. White ice bucket stored by ice machine in kitchen. Bucket inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jacket and cigarettes stored on shelf in dry food storage area with food items. Employee items moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under fryer in kitchen.
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice build up in walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Cracked light shield in kitchen near dish area.
38-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in men's restroom in dining area. Operator printed and posted sign. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple reach in cooler gaskets in kitchen. Multiple handles for reach in coolers and convection oven in kitchen. Sides of fryer in kitchen.Employee began cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Shared dumpster behind establishment. Lid closed. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Unwrapped black plastic straws stored on bar top within customer reach. Straws moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
25-09-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Small area of floor near walk in cooler entrance. Small area of floor by dish machine.
36-02-5
30
Jul 12, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. house made lemon sauce (77F); chicken broth (75F) stored at room temperature on cook line. Chef stated food was taking out of the cooler 2 hours ago. Chef placed food in a container of ice. Suggested to chef to use time control and emailed him time control handout. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: Chicken stock 60F, house made lemon cream sauce 62F stored at room temperature on cook line. Chef stated sauces were taking out of the walk in cooler an hour ago and that he forgot to placed sauces on ice. After reviewing with chef he placed sauces on ice. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. No vacuum breaker on added splitter to mop sink faucet in non chemical side, blue hose attached to non chemical side. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: Still vacuum breaker missing at mop sink on added splitter on non chemical side. **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
74
Jun 29, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. No vacuum breaker on added splitter to mop sink faucet in non chemical side, blue hose attached to non chemical side. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of sun gel stored on condiment shelf on cook line
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. house made lemon sauce (77F); chicken broth (75F) stored at room temperature on cook line. Chef stated food was taking out of the cooler 2 hours ago. Chef placed food in a container of ice. Suggested to chef to use time control and emailed him time control handout. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed multiple times cook sprinkling chopped parsley to plated food without wearing gloves. Hands were cleaned and no cross contamination was observed. Reviewed with manager. Observed multiple times same cook sprinkling grated cheese to plated food without wearing gloves. Hands were cleaned and no cross contamination was observed. Reviewed with manager. **Warning**
09-01-4
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook wiping his hands on soiled apron and then handled plated food without washing his hands. Reviewed proper handwash procedures with cook and manager. **Warning**
12A-28-4
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. Dishmachine 0ppm. Dishmachine was ran multiple times. Manager fixed dishmachine and is now at 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Front of the house manager Suelynn B. not certified within 30 days of employment. Manager stated she has being a manager for a few years.
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. All cutting boards on cook line stained. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed server dumping ice and water into handwash sink in server station. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing soap per cook not labeled on cook line by appetizer station.
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on shelf above appetizer cooler on cook line.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Manager wearing jewelry while preparing food on cook line **Repeat Violation**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Manager not wearing a hair restraint while cooking food on cook line **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Pizza cooler has a torn gasket **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Walk in cooler metal floor in disrepair
36-17-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of small white microwave soiled. Microwave on cook line by appetizer station. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Pizza cooler gaskets are soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of appetizer reach in cooler on cook line.
29-49-6
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall soiled by dishmachine
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large containers of flour not labeled in food storage room
02D-01-5
17
Feb 2, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
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
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
30
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gusto Italian Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gusto Italian Restaurant on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gusto Italian Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Gusto Italian Restaurant.
How does Gusto Italian Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville Beach?
Gusto Italian Restaurant most recently scored 21 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville Beach average of 73.
Has Gusto Italian Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Gusto Italian Restaurant have averaged around 15 violations per visit, up from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Gusto Italian Restaurant 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 Gusto Italian Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gusto Italian Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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