Istanbul Grill & Bakery
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2026
50
Score
Going back to 2023, Istanbul Grill & Bakery has 11 inspections in the public record. On Jan 21, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately and about 13 violations before that.
The pattern that stands out is “food-contact surface soiled with food debris”, which has been cited five times.
Compared to other Jacksonville restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef stored over ready to eat kibbeh with beef in reach in freezer at end of cook line near gyro machines-not all products commercially packaged. Operator had employee rearrange products to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed two portable cutting boards on cook line and multiple portable cutting boards on clean storage shelf in warewashing area soiled/ stained. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink next to mop sink. Employee replenished paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two Unlabeled Spray bottles containing toxic substance stored at triple sink. Operator labeled spray bottles of cleaner and sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice bin at front service line soiled-including the lip of frame at opening of machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed handle of rice cooker/ warmer in disrepair. Also, gasket on reach-in cooler across from gyro machine in disrepair/ torn. Also, interior right side door of reach-in cooler across from gyro machine in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor in walk in freezer soiled/ has accumulation of debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed multiple sealed food items stored on floor in walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on reach-in coolers on cook line soiled. Also, exterior of pizza dough pans and exterior of seasoning bins in prep area and bakery area soiled. Also, multiple filters in hood above gyro machine soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
50
Oct 29, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 2, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut tomatoes, cut lettuce, shredded mozzarella cheese, house made pizza sauce, raw lamb (49F-54F - Cold Holding) at reach-in cooler at pizza make station. Operator stated items placed in cooler this morning. Operator had employee remove TCS foods and place in nearby cooler to chill. Also, cooked rice (48F-49F - Cold Holding) in pot stored on cutting board on cook line. Operator stated employee didn't place back into reach-in cooler after using. Employee removed container of rice and placed in cooler to chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-02: At callback: Violation not observed. TCS foods that are in reach-in pizza cooler cooler were placed in coolerthis morning and are ambient cooling (cut tomorrow, shredded mozzarella cheese, cut lettuce, house made pizza sauce. No cold holding TCS foods in reach-in pizza cooler during this callback. Discussed with operator to remove the TCS foods that are cooling until unit able to maintain temps of 41F and below.. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 19 flying insects in the following areas: 2 in baking area, 5 near empty dough bins, 6 near vegetable bins at prep shelf , 1 at mop sink, 4 in dry storage area near canned goods and 1 on side of kitchen near employee communication board. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-02: At callback observed 3 flying insects in the following areas: 1 in prep area, 1 in bakery storage area, and 1 at mop sink. Operator had employees properly store tried to kill flying insects. Operator did have establishment serviced for the flying insects after inspection on Friday. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Person in charge unable to provide proof of employee food safety training. Operator has folder in office but is on vacation. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-02: At callback no change. Time needed to train. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Reach-in cooler at pizza make station unable to maintain temperature of 41F and below. Ambient temperature 55F. Observed gaskets and interior of cooler doors in disrepair **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-02: At callback reach-in cooler ambient temperature 55F. Operator stated he had it worked on a couple of days ago but not working properly. Operator stated he will be ordering a new unit. **Time Extended**
14-74-7
64
Aug 29, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored above ready to eat heavy cream in glass door reach-in cooler in baking area. Also, raw beef stored over ready to eat pork in two door stand up cooler near kitchen entry area. Also, raw beef stored,over ready to eat vegetables in reach-in cooler across from pizza oven. Operator had employees properly store items in all three areas. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut tomatoes, cut lettuce, shredded mozzarella cheese, house made pizza sauce, raw lamb (49F-54F - Cold Holding) at reach-in cooler at pizza make station. Operator stated items placed in cooler this morning. Operator had employee remove TCS foods and place in nearby cooler to chill. Also, cooked rice (48F-49F - Cold Holding) in pot stored on cutting board on cook line. Operator stated employee didn't place back into reach-in cooler after using. Employee removed container of rice and placed in cooler to chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle containing toxic substance stored next to single use wrapped plastic ware under front back counter. Operator removed bottle of window cleaner to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
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. Employee prepping in bakery area used phone with gloves on and then went back to touching clean pans without washing hands. Discussed with employee.
12A-29-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 19 flying insects in the following areas: 2 in baking area, 5 near empty dough bins, 6 near vegetable bins at prep shelf , 1 at mop sink, 4 in dry storage area near canned goods and 1 on side of kitchen near employee communication board. **Warning**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable cutting board at reach-in cooler across from fryers soiled/ stained. Also, blade of can opener in prep area soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee used hand wash sink next to pizza making station to rinse out towel. Discussed with employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink at pizza making station and at hand wash sink next to mop sink. Operator replenished paper towels at both hand wash sinks. **Corrected On-Site**
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. Person in charge unable to provide proof of employee food safety training. Operator has folder in office but is on vacation. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink next to mop sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on multiple rids on cook line and on walk in freezer soiled. Also, multiple filters in hood above fryers, gyro and grill soiled. Also, exterior of multiple seasoning bins and mixers in prep area soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup without handle used to dispense sugar in container on shelf in baking area. Operator removed souflee cup. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Reach-in cooler at pizza make station unable to maintain temperature of 41F and below. Ambient temperature 55F. Observed gaskets and interior of cooler doors in disrepair **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Multiple gaskets on reach-in cooler near kitchen entrance and pizza making station cooler torn. Also, handle of rice cooker on cook line in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in walk-in-cooler and walk in freezer soiled. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bins containing misc foods in walk-in-cooler and walk in freezer stored on floor under bottom shelf. Also, container of oil in prep area stood on floor. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One filter missing in hood area above fryers and Gyro machine.
14-42-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Insect control device installed above prep table. Discussed with operator.
35B-02-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Gap at back door not protected during operation with vermin present.
35B-05-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of reach-in cooler at pizza making station soiled.
22-16-4
17
Feb 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
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
43
Aug 2, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired 6-1-24 **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored over ready to eat sauce and raw beef stored over ready to eat cut tomatoes in glass door reach-in cooler in back prep area. Operator removed raw shelled eggs and raw beef to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two flying insects near prep area.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable cutting board on cook line across from cooking equipment soiled/ stained.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. He's in back bakery prep area used for dumping. Debris and green liquid in hand wash sink. Operator washed hand wash sink out. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two Unlabeled Spray bottle containing toxic substance stored next to kitchen entry door. Operator all bed spray bottles of cleaners. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Tubs with foods and boxes with multiple foods stored on floor under shelving in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave on side of cook line soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on reach-in coolers across from pizza oven soiled.
23-03-4
41
Apr 25, 2024
Complaint Partial
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink on front service line in bakery area used to store sanitizer bucket.
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Multiple sealed boxes of food stored on floor in walk in freezer and dry food storage area.
08B-38-4
86
Feb 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bag covering a bin of bread on prep table across from cooking station.
14-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice tea dispenser on table behind front display counter is soiled/oxidized on nozzle. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. No handle on bowl being used as a scoop in flour bin stored on rack across from triple sink. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape wrapped around knife handle stored in knife rack on wall near rear hand wash sink.
14-71-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on top of microwave oven located right of storage rack adjacent to triple sink.
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in coolers located across from cooking station are torn/ in disrepair
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors beneath cooking station are soiled with debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles cracked between cooking station and Flip top and reach in coolers in kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed boxes of vegetable shortening stored on floor next to storage rack across triple sink and plastic wrapped gyro cones stored on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging from handle of double ovens across from flip top and reach in coolers. **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Vents hood over cooking station across from flip top reach in coolers is soiled. Gaskets on all reach in coolers across from cooking station are soiled. Walk in freezer located near kitchen exit has soiled gaskets. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls along cookline are soiled.
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour bin located on storage rack across from triple sink is unlabeled.
02D-01-5
45
Jan 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator unable to provide proof of employee food safety training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-16: At callback operator recently received CFM so didn't have anyone certify to train staff. Operator will be training staff within next two weeks. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Nov 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef kabobs stored over ready to eat vegetable grape leaves in reach-in cooler across from stove. Also, raw beef livers stored above. Ready to eat yogurt in glass door reach-in cooler in prep area. Operator removed both raw meats to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw fish (46-48F - Cold Holding) in front display case. Operator stated employee may have left fish out after prepping it before putting in display case. Operator placed raw fish in walk-in-cooler to chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
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. Opened container of heavy whipping cream opened two days ago not date marked. Operator date marked container of heavy whipping cream. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection. Operator had employees on duty fill out employee health form. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable cutting board near pizza making station soiled/ stained. Also, blade and guard plate on slicer in prep area soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Operator unable to provide proof of CFM for establishment. **Warning**
53A-01-7
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. Operator unable to provide proof of employee food safety training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled Spray bottle containing toxic substance stored across from front counter not labeled. Operator labeled spray bottle of cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee Cup and container used to dispense salt in pizza making prep area. Operator removed both cup and container from salt. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Filters in hood area above grill soiled. Also, gasket on walk-in-cooler and walk in freezer soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. A pair of tongs hung from handle of stove. Operator removed tongs to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
32
Jun 12, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Istanbul Grill & Bakery last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Istanbul Grill & Bakery on file is from Jan 21, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Istanbul Grill & Bakery?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Istanbul Grill & Bakery.
How does Istanbul Grill & Bakery compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
Istanbul Grill & Bakery most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has Istanbul Grill & Bakery's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Istanbul Grill & Bakery have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Istanbul Grill & Bakery 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 Istanbul Grill & Bakery inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Istanbul Grill & Bakery is inspected around four times per year on average.
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