Nikai

81801 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Japanese / Sushi
Last inspected: Jan 22, 2026
55
Score
Medium Risk

Across the available record, Nikai has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 22, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.

When inspectors have written things up, “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

That's lower than the typical Islamorada restaurant, which scores around 69. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 22, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
55
Aug 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
74
Jan 23, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. plate in handwashing sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Due to banner hanging in front of sink . Banner was rolled up and will be relocated.sign was removed before ending the inspection **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Waste line missing at soda gun holster.
29-17-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At the bar handwashing sink **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Upstairs Exterior door has a gap at the door edge that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
70
Aug 2, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.dumplings 50-52F in reaching cooler
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Dumplings stored overnight in reaching cooler
01B-02-5
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 not maintains 41F or below . Technician was called for repairs on unit
14-74-7
70
Mar 14, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
70
Nov 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Items stored in handwash sink
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
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.
06-09-1
78
Jun 7, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
61
Nov 8, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nikai last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Nikai on file is from Jan 22, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Nikai?

Across the inspection record, “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Nikai.

How does Nikai compare to other restaurants in Islamorada?

Nikai most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Islamorada average of 69.

Has Nikai's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Nikai have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Nikai 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 Nikai inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Nikai is inspected around two times per year on average.