Palm Chefs
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Palm Chefs 11 times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 13 violations each, up from closer to six violations before.
“Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
By comparison, the average Miami facility scores 74, putting Palm Chefs on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer blade soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit onsite.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels on prep area hand washing sink. Chef put a new roll **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed hamburgers patties not covered at the front counter area.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing in the kitchen area.
36-36-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles damage on the kitchen area.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint while preparing food.
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed on the floor cases of canola oil on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container not labeled located in the front area.
02D-01-5
50
Sep 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a pitcher inside of the kitchen hand washing sink. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed towels inside of the kitchen hand washing sink. **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled in the prep area. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed ceiling tiles soiled in the prep area. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed backpack, speaker on top of the prep area next to the oven. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed speaker on top of the prep area next to the oven. **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in disrepair not in use. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed reach in cooler in disrepair not in use. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside of the walk in freezer - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed ice buildup inside of the walk in freezer **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk in /Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled, observed front counter reach in coolers with heavy soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: observed front counter reach in coolers with heavy soiled. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
67
Sep 11, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pudding prepared onsite with not date marked
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed waffle maker with heavy soiled
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a pitcher inside of the kitchen hand washing sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel in the kitchen hand washing sink.
31B-02-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment. Observed reach in coolers at the front and back area with heavy soiled.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled in the prep area.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed ceiling tiles clean pans, bowls stored in a dirty rack, shelf.
24-06-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed backpack, speaker on top of the prep area next to the oven.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food with no hair restraint
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in disrepair not in use.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled insof the walk in cooler, kitchen area, back area, under equipments kitchen, front area
36-73-4
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed Fly sticky tape in the kitchen area. Operator discarded Fly sticky tape **Corrected On-Site**
35B-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of liquid oil stored on the kitchen floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside of the walk in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under the cutting board at the front kitchen area.
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed top of oven soiled, walk in cooler gasket soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to go containers stored in dirty shelves.
25-05-4
Basic - Walk in /Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled, observed front counter reach in coolers with heavy soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walking in cooler shelves with rust.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
29
Nov 18, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
58
Sep 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell eggs over potatoes.
08A-04-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no quaternary test kit onsite.
16-37-1
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. Operator unable to provide no proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager David Scism without a manager certification.
53A-01-7
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled in the kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food with no hair restraint
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed under equipments soiled **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of sausage stored on the walk in freezer floor. Manager put them on the shelf **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed light out on the kitchen area.
36-62-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed front counter reach in cooler with heavy soiled
22-16-4
47
Apr 9, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
86
Apr 8, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican patties (90F - Hot Holding) as per operator was put on line 30 mins ago. Operator moved products to be reheated **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed RTE corned beef hash stored next to bowl of raw chicken and raw shelled eggs stored on top of RTE deli Turkey and ham inside of walk in cooler
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 10+ flies flying around establishment and landing on shelves.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed butter (61F - Cold Holding) being held at room temperature next to grill.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed deli slider soiled in kitchen area
22-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed styrofoam cup with no handle stored inside rice and flour containers in dry storage area.
14-01-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed clean pans on dirty shelves.
24-06-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine no in use.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor/ drains soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor and drains soiled throughout the establishment. Observed walk in cooler floor soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking wine and shortening stored on the floor inside dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Top oven soiled, reach in cooler gasket soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottles of sauce without label at reach in cooler
02D-01-5
35
Oct 3, 2023
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine no in use. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-03: Observed ice machine not in use. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed a ice buildup inside of the reach in freezer - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-03: Observed a ice buildup inside of the reach in freezer **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed inside of the ovens with heavy soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-03: Observed inside of the ovens with heavy soiled. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in freezer gasket soiled, reach in cooler gasket soiled located at the front counter area. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-03: Reach in freezer gasket soiled, reach in cooler gasket soiled located at the front counter area. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label on a clean pan - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-03: Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label on a clean pan **Time Extended**
16-46-4
78
Aug 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Mar 10, 2023
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container no labeled located at the front counter area.
02D-01-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed front counter reach in cooler with standing water.
29-49-6
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
86
Dec 19, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. 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 manager certification for Robert Benezra expired on 04/20/17, he being a manager here for more than 2 years. - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-22: Food manager certification expired. 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 manager certification for Robert Benezra expired on 04/20/17, he being a manager here for more than 2 years. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-19: observed manager certification for Robert Benezra expired on 04/20/17, he being a manager here for more than 2 years. **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted. - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-22: Observed walk in cooler shelves **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-19: Observed walk in cooler shelves **Time Extended**
14-17-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Palm Chefs last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Palm Chefs on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Palm Chefs?
Across the inspection record, “wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Palm Chefs.
How does Palm Chefs compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Palm Chefs most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has Palm Chefs' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Palm Chefs have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Palm Chefs 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 Palm Chefs inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Palm Chefs is inspected around three times per year on average.
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