Istanbul Mediterranean
Last inspected: Nov 19, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Istanbul Mediterranean, the earliest from 2022. The most recent report on file is from Nov 19, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly 12 violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “working containers of food removed”, showing up three times.
Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so Istanbul Mediterranean is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 19, 2025
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Aug 27, 2025
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still expired, cited from complaint inspection **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still expired, cited from previous inspection **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-27: Still expired, cited from previous inspection **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still missing. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Observed 3, still missing for some employees. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-27: Observed 4 employee trainings, still missing some. **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-27: Still observed **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed buckets of raw meat stored on the floor in back walk in cooler. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed raw buckets of meat stored on floor in walk in cooler and walk in freezer. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-27: Still observed raw meats and vegetables on floor in walk in cooler. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
74
Aug 26, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 1 flying insect in kitchen in front of reach in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed 1 live fly in grocery area **Time Extended**
35A-02-7
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over ready to eat food walk in cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed raw shell eggs over ready to eat food in back walk in cooler **Time Extended**
08A-05-6
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Observed 1 live roach underneath Hand washing sink. 1 live roach underneath the table top and microwave prep area. Operator discarded, cleaned and sanitized the areas. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-05-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 10 egg sac casings underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed same 10 egg sac casing underneath front reach in coolers on cooks line **Time Extended**
35A-23-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still missing. **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still expired, cited from complaint inspection **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 2 dead roaches underneath the dry storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: 1 dead roach inside cabinet on servers line 1 dead roach inside cabinet in between self service cups. 2 dead roaches on floor in dry storage area. **Time Extended**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed buckets of raw meat stored on the floor in back walk in cooler. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink by coffee station. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Hand washing sign not observed **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-26: Still observed **Time Extended**
42-01-4
35
Aug 25, 2025
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 10 egg sac casings underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. **Warning**
35A-23-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over ready to eat food walk in cooler **Warning**
08A-05-6
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 employee touching cooked bread. **Warning**
09-01-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 1 flying insect in kitchen in front of reach in cooler. **Warning**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025 **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employees washing dishes in hand washing sink in front. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 2 dead roaches underneath the dry storage area. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on pans above hand washing sink **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple container lids in walk in coolers cracked. **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink by coffee station. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Spices in back kitchen not labeled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
23
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed food stored in togo thank you bags in reach in freezer. Operator had employee move product to zip lock bags during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
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 bulk red lentils at time of ianpection. Operator removed scoop during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk foods kept in containers not labeled at time of. Salt, sugar.
02D-01-5
78
Dec 30, 2024
Complaint Partial
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Newley backed bread rolls stored on top of desserts reach-in-cooler exposed to customers who may walk up to the dessert cooler. Operators moving behind on food storage rack. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-02-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed toxic cleaning chemicals stored on top of food in grocery area. Discussed storage separation with Owner/Manager **Repeat Violation**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine
16-37-1
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink in front kitchen area blocked by large trash can and small glasses stored inside hand sink **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal containers in back kitchen area
24-08-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed boxes of croissants and glass containers of cabbage leaves stored on floor in grocery area. Large pot of cooked Mariana Sauce stored on floor in kitchen area. Walk-in-cooler **Repeat Violation**
08B-47-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Glass door cracked on reach-in-cooler in front kitchen area on cooksline
14-38-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Repeat Violation**
14-42-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Front kitchen area **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On cooksline stove **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Slow drip faucet at hand sink in front kitchen area
29-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Back kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Yellow wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Front kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Food container in back kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
33
Dec 4, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
26
Apr 19, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine bottle on top of dish machine
41-07-4
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. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
High Priority - Self-service salad bar/buffet lacking adequate sneezeguards or other proper protection from contamination. Observed unwrapped bread on counter of display case.
08B-01-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation**
42-01-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
23-03-4
52
Nov 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored over cooked food in glass reach-in-cooler in back kitchen area **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Coffee items stored in front kitchen area hand sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked foods in reach-in-coolers in back kitchen area
02C-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Back kitchen area area on prep table
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
43
Mar 30, 2023
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Food containers and pots stored on floor. Walk-in-cooler
08B-38-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
14-42-4
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Large gray containers
02D-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
82
Nov 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-14: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Istanbul Mediterranean last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Istanbul Mediterranean on file is from Nov 19, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Istanbul Mediterranean?
Across the inspection record, “working containers of food removed” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Istanbul Mediterranean.
How does Istanbul Mediterranean compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Istanbul Mediterranean most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Istanbul Mediterranean's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Istanbul Mediterranean have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Istanbul Mediterranean 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 Istanbul Mediterranean inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Istanbul Mediterranean is inspected around four times per year on average.
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