Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
74
Score
Going back to 2022, Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant has 13 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 8, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food stored on floor”, showing up four times.
Among Jacksonville restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
13
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
74
Aug 12, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
67
Jun 18, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 3, 2025
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. Observed one employee with no stat approved employee training who helps during busy times and serves food to guests. Person in charge stated it was her husband and he had a date scheduled to complete training. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-03: At callback observed operator provided proof class was taken but expected delivery of certificate is Monday, 06/09/2025. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Mar 25, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 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 in ziploc bag stored over ready to eat spices in ziploc bag in reach in freezer across from three compartment sink. Person in charge rearranged food items to proper storage levels. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
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 one employee with no stat approved employee training who helps during busy times and serves food to guests. Person in charge stated it was her husband and he had a date scheduled to complete training. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray/squeeze bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled squeeze bottle with blue chemical person in charge stated was soap and baking soda. Person in charge labeled squeeze bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed opened water bottle with lid stored on wire shelf next to food items by dry storage entrance. Person in charge removed water bottle. **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 cell phone stored on top of single use gloves. Person in charge removed cell phone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed standing reach in cooler in disrepair across from three compartment sink. Person in charge stated cooler does not work. Door frames and interior are in disrepair. Non time/temperature control for safety food items are stored inside.
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed debris and build up in interior of oven on cook line.
22-08-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed sanitizer bucket with chlorine solution testing at 0ppm stored on three compartment sink. Person in charge added chlorine and tested at 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
55
Nov 6, 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. Person in charge indicated husband helps serve food during busy times does and not have any proof of food handler training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: At callback observed no food handler certification for husband who helps serve food during busy times. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: At callback observed no food handler training for husband that person in charge says still serves food. **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
90
Sep 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed person in charge with no proof of Certified Food Management Certification. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: At callback observed person in charge with no certified food manager certification. Operator stated she did not have time to acquire one. **Time Extended**
53A-01-7
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 indicated husband helps serve food during busy times does and not have any proof of food handler training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: At callback observed no food handler certification for husband who helps serve food during busy times. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
82
Sep 4, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs not immediately placed in refrigeration maintaining an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less upon receipt. Observed two flats of shelled eggs stored in reach in cooler not maintaining ambient temperature of 45F or less. Ambient shelled eggs (61F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
03A-23-4
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 yellow peas at 63F person in charge indicated was cooked and stored in reach in cooler that is not functioning properly the day prior. Cooked yellow peas (63F - Cooling) **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed large container of butter person in charge indicated was melted a few days prior and left out on shelf next to oven at 71F. Observed large metal container by dry storage area at 72F person in charge said was melted the day prior. Observed shelled eggs in reach in cooler at ambient temperature of 61F. Observed container of butter and multiple sticks of butter in reach in cooler cold holding at 61-65F. Butter (71F - Cold Holding) Butter (61-65F - Cold Holding) Butter (72F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
03A-02-5
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 indicated husband helps serve food during busy times does and not have any proof of food handler training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed person in charge with no proof of Certified Food Management Certification. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink on cook line by three compartment sink. Person in charge provided hand wash towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed package of water bottles and bottled sparkling water stored on floor by front counter. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handle. Person in charge removed and placed in dish area. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white and wooden cutting boards stored next to reach in cooler with grooves. Person in charge stated they are not used.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed cup with tea stored on three compartment sink person in charge indicated was hers.
12B-07-4
39
Apr 30, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 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. In reach in freezer on make line, raw chicken stored over bag of Tyson chicken nuggets. Operator removed raw chicken from above ready to eat. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. On chemical storage rack in back storage room, bleach and windex stored above gloves. Operator moved gloves away from chemicals. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash station in kitchen blocked by trash can. Operator moved trash can. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand wash station on cook line, no paper towels. Operator supplied. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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. Only one employee who has been employed for one week. Did not have employee responsibility signed. Supplied DBPR Form HR 5030-103.
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. Container of collard greens prepared three days prior did not have date marking. Operator added date marking. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on stove handle in kitchen. Operator removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Two bags of water bottles on ground in kitchen. Operator removed from ground. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on clean prep table in kitchen. Operator moved water bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
43
Nov 30, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On lower shelf at cook line, butter (65F - Cold Holding) . Operator stated butter as prepared less than 4 hours ago, moving to small portions into refrigerator.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Plastic bag in cook line handwash sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at cook line and kitchen handwash sink. Operator supplied. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-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 reach-in coolers, multiple items prepared yesterday not dated.
02C-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. On lower shelf in back kitchen, red container with flour not labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle at cook line. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. In back kitchen, bag of onions and bag of potatoes on floor. Operator moved to shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Door closer missing on both restroom doors.
32-04-4
52
Apr 12, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 22, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 17, 2022
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One crawling on floor by entrance to kitchen, operator killed it **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shelled eggs on shelf above cooked foods on upright cooler, operator rearranged **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Container for cut up veggies in upright cooler has blankets on label, explained to operator, he changed container **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
14-15-4
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Operator grabbed raw beef then stirred cooked green beans, explained to her and she washed hands **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Operator cleaning triple sink then went to scoop cut up veggies, explained to him and he washed hands **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-13-4
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. Employee here for 2 months
53B-13-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots in back storage shelf
24-05-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Open drink on prep counter, operator moved it **Corrected On-Site**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. On prep counter, she moved to dining table **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bottle water, employee placed them on chair **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. For flat bread, woven basket, operator moved it **Corrected On-Site**
14-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan at front counter **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Aluminum lids in back storage **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris in three-compartment sink. Blackish around corners
16-07-4
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant.
How does Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is about the same as the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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