Lava Grill
Last inspected: Jan 5, 2026
74
Score
Going back to 2022, Lava Grill has eight inspections in the public record. On Jan 5, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately and about 10 violations before that.
“Observed case potatoes stored on floor in kitchen area” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Aventura restaurants. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 5, 2026
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.
14-38-4
Basic - Bowl with no handle used to dispense breadcrumbs.
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves.
14-05-4
Basic - Observed case potatoes stored on floor in kitchen area and various cases stored on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Observed raw chicken Stored in walk in freezer uncovered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature in 3 compartment sink.
06-01-5
74
Sep 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of oil and sugar being stored on floor in prep area. Also observed cases of food being stored on floor in walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed cases of food being stored on floor in walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
95
Jul 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towels lining pan of cut lettuce. Located in walk in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towels lining pan of cut lettuce. Located in walk in cooler. **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-86-1
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef stored in non food grade bags. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef stored in non food grade bags. **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning** **Admin Complaint**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Chef added. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: 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. **Warning** **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Discussed and emailed form to operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: 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. Discussed and emailed form to operator. **Warning** **Admin Complaint**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-14-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed several cases of foods and drinks being stored on floor in kitchen area and in walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: Observed several cases of foods and drinks being stored on floor in kitchen area and in walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature. Located on prep table. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-07: Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature. Located on prep sink. **Time Extended**
06-01-5
41
Apr 21, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef stored in non food grade bags. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towels lining pan of cut lettuce. Located in walk in cooler. **Warning**
14-86-1
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Chef added. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Warning**
05-08-4
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. **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. Discussed and emailed form to operator. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. **Warning**
14-14-4
Basic - Evidence of employee smoking in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area. Observed pack of cigarettes stored on prep shelf in kitchen area. **Warning**
12B-06-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed several cases of foods and drinks being stored on floor in kitchen area and in walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature. Located on prep table. **Warning**
06-01-5
33
Dec 17, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 10, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed container of pooled eggs being stored on top of cut lettuce. Located in walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken being stored on top of unwashed vegetables. Located in walk in cooler.
08A-04-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following food temperatures greater than 41°F; pastrami (50F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding) All were located in reach in cooler under grill. As per chef food had only been in cooler for less than an hour.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed chef using water from hand washing sink to clean reach in cooler.
31A-11-4
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. Discussed and emailed form to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
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 about 5 employees present and engaging in food preparation with no certified food manager present.
53A-05-6
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. Discussed and emailed form to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed scoop handle for yellow bread crumbs broken. Also, observed employee use use a cup with no handle to dispense rice.
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Located throughout kitchen area.
36-36-4
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. Observed reach in cooler under grill with ambient temperature of 57°F.
14-74-7
Basic - Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee eating excess bacon while panning bacon from oven.
12B-01-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed various buckets of food in walk in cooler not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor.
08B-47-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed various cases of food being stored on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler under grill soiled with accumulated food debris.
22-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature and located in side of prep sink.
06-01-5
26
Mar 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken being stored on top of unwashed lettuce. Located in walk in cooler.
08A-04-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Located under flat grill.
22-16-4
78
Aug 11, 2022
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of oil and water being stored on floor in prep area. Also, observed several cases and containers of food being stored on floor in walk in cooler/ freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of oil and water being stored on floor in prep area. Also, observed several cases and containers of food being stored on floor in walk in cooler/ freezer. **Warning** **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled with accumulated food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled with accumulated food debris. **Warning** **Time Extended**
23-03-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lava Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lava Grill on file is from Jan 5, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lava Grill?
Across the inspection record, “observed case potatoes stored on floor in kitchen area” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Lava Grill.
How does Lava Grill compare to other restaurants in Aventura?
Lava Grill most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is about the same as the Aventura average of 76.
Has Lava Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lava Grill have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lava Grill 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 Lava Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lava Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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