Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi
Last inspected: Mar 18, 2026
41
Score
The health department has logged 14 inspections at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi, the earliest from 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 18, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately compared to roughly three violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “handwash sink not accessible for employee use”, showing up three times.
That's lower than the typical New Port Richey restaurant, which scores around 78. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
14
Inspections
2
Critical latest
4
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 18, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The operator replaced with new water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-05-5
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale.
01B-14-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. The handwash sink on the right side of the cook line has no paper towels.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided the operator with the DBPR Form HR 5022-090. The operator filled out the form. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Kimi expired 5/1/25, Sergio expired 4/20/25, Tyler expired 5/1/25, Payi Ye. expired 4/26/2025, Muhammad S. expired 4/20/2025. FRLA.
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 1 bottle not labeled by the bar area on the waiter cart. The operator labeled the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of the grease/food debris. The operator cleaned the interior of the microwave. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Frying oil box and soy sauce bucket on the floor. Several boxes in the walk in freezer on the floor. The operator moved items off the floor in the kitchen area and in the walk in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In the women's bathroom. The operator posted the sign.
31B-04-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Several glass cups wet nesting by the soda machine area. The operator moved the wet cups to the dishwasher area for rewashing. **Corrective Action Taken**
24-08-4
41
May 5, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. In reach in cooler under onions, paper towel, operator removed towel In reach in cooler at sushi station - salmon wrapped in paper towels, discussed with manager on duty
14-86-1
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Ahi tuna in walk in cooler, package states to remove before thawing, two 4.5 pkgs
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Sushi rice in sushi bar has no time mark, prepped at 11 am, will be discarded at 3.
03F-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Wine chiller in hand wash sink in bar, operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. On prep table on cook line, moved to bucket **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler - unwashed mushrooms over cooked lo mein noodles **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Ahi tuna in walk in cooler, package states to remove before thawing, two 4.5 pkgs
06-09-1
50
Mar 4, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
67
Mar 3, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately - 9 rodent droppings on floor under storage shelf in 19 on same shelf next to buckets of sauce 25 under hibachi table in unused dining room 2 on floor in north dining room 10 on floor around bar 1 on bench at table by bar 1 on ledge by table by bar 5 on floor in bar 6 unspder shelf in sushi bar 18 under glass door cooler on cook line 5 under wok table on cook line 10 on floor in liquor storage room Chewed candy wrappers and other paper on floor in liquor room. Orange with teeth marks under cooler in bar **Repeat Violation**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting boards at lift top cooler
22-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. In ladies room in left side of vanity
27-16-4
Basic - Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Cypress Wood bowl used for sushi rice, discussed options with operator
14-25-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Glass door cooler at end of cook line.
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Mop sink has standing water, floor drain in dish room gas standing water to top of drain plumber has been called **Corrective Action Taken**
29-19-4
61
Feb 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, stained White board at lift top - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-11: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
90
Dec 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler in sushi bar milk (48F - Cold Holding), see stop sale **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-11: No milk in cooler of sushi bar. **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Appropriately 8 rodent droppings under wok table on cook line 4 rodent droppings under glass door cooler on cook line 4 rodent droppings on floor on cook line by prep table across from wok 5 rodent droppings under hand wash sink on cook line by walk in freezer 4 rodent droppings under ice machine in kitchen 10 rodent droppings under bag in box soda in kitchen 18 on shelf on liquor closet 20 on floor under dry storage shelf in back room 7 under shelf in sushi bar 20 on floor by 2 door cooler in sushi bar 6 in empty space between glass door cooler and cabinet in bar 14 along wall of room used for employee storage, under chairs - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-11: 2 droppings observed under bag in box beverage rack 2 droppings found on opposite side of cook line on floor 1 Dropping on cook line 1 in back room used by staff Operator disposed of droppings and sanitized the area. Total 6 droppings **Time Extended**
35A-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in dish room, moved to dining room **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-11: Restaurant not open at time of inspection. **Time Extended**
12B-02-4
70
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler in sushi bar milk (48F - Cold Holding), see stop sale **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. milk (48F - Cold Holding)
01B-02-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Appropriately 8 rodent droppings under wok table on cook line 4 rodent droppings under glass door cooler on cook line 4 rodent droppings on floor on cook line by prep table across from wok 5 rodent droppings under hand wash sink on cook line by walk in freezer 4 rodent droppings under ice machine in kitchen 10 rodent droppings under bag in box soda in kitchen 18 on shelf on liquor closet 20 on floor under dry storage shelf in back room 7 under shelf in sushi bar 20 on floor by 2 door cooler in sushi bar 6 in empty space between glass door cooler and cabinet in bar 14 along wall of room used for employee storage, under chairs
35A-04-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in dish room, moved to dining room **Corrective Action Taken**
12B-02-4
61
Dec 4, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. In employee bathroom **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-04: Evidence of employees smoking in bathroom. Discussed firmly with operator. Operator removed bucket that contained cigarette ash and stated he will have employees smoke out the back kitchen door. **Time Extended**
36-64-5
95
Nov 21, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
41
Apr 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In walk in cooler - raw chicken over bag of onions, operator moved chicken to bottom shelf **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at 3 door cooler on cook line
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. In dish room, wire shelving unit and dish racks in front of sink, silicone gloves in sink. Operator removed gloves, moved racks **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On cook line and a beverage station, moved to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce on cook line, moved to shelf Buckets on floor in walk in cooler, moved to shelf **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
55
Dec 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed carrots in walk-in cooler. Operator moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed shelf stored in front of handwash sink in warewashing room to the right of the dishmachine. Operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna loins in walk-in cooler defrosted still sealed in original package. **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine on white bar/guard in kitchen.
22-20-5
70
Jun 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
67
Dec 20, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No items in walk in cooler date marked **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
51-18-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. By back door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
36-03-4
74
Jul 7, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi on file is from Mar 18, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi?
Across the inspection record, “handwash sink not accessible for employee use” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi.
How does Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi compare to other restaurants in New Port Richey?
Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the New Port Richey average of 78.
Has Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi 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 Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Kawa Japanese Steak House & Sushi is inspected around four times per year on average.
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