Pesto Cafe & Grill
Last inspected: Mar 17, 2026
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Pesto Cafe & Grill nine times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 17, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 11 violations lately compared to roughly eight violations before.
Across the inspection history, “non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Restaurants in Miami average 74, so Pesto Cafe & Grill trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 17, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves with rust at walk in cooler.
22-31-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine sanitizer test strip expired 10/2025.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink next to ice machine.
31B-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with dust inside kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid missing from ice machine located at prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy of last inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves with rust at drain equipment storages rack located on top of three compartment sink.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled shelves with debris inside walk in cooler.
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed diced tomatoes in a bowl at walk in cooler not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed an unlabeled container of cabbage salad, hummus, and babaganoush inside the walk-in cooler.
02D-01-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal phones on top of prep table next to ice machine.
40-06-5
50
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed in handwashing at cook line at coffee pot and metal container.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves at warewashing area. Observed shelves at walk in cooler rusting and pitting.
22-31-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee engaging in food preparation dicing onions not wearing a proper hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and glass cups on rack over prep table wet nesting. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid missing from ice machine located at prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a container of sugar on top of espresso machine at front counter not labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed diced tomatoes at walk in cooler not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of pancake mix stored on the floor at dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler /Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with debris.
22-16-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pots on shelf over three compartment sink not inverted.
24-05-4
55
Mar 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over turkey slices in reach in cooler under stove. Coached operator on proper separation procedures.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Pancake Mix (69F - Cold Holding) at front counter. As per chef, it had only been out of the reach in cooler for 10 minutes. Instructed chef to place mix back in reach in cooler for rapid chill.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food containers of flour soiled on shelf near three compartment sink.
22-02-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vent soiled with dust in walk in cooler.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee engaged in food preparation while wearing a watch.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups wet nesting on shelf at kitchen entrance.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed lid of ice machine broken.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled with food debris at front counter.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven handle at front counter.
10-20-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths stored on preparation tables throughout establishment.
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottle of oil stored on stove unlabeled. Also observed sugar in plastic container unlabeled.
02D-01-5
39
Dec 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican patty in warmer at front counter 112F. Operator stated the pastry's were there less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Operator turned heat up in machine. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: Observed at pastry warmer Jamaican patty (108F Hot Holding) and guava pastry (120F Hot Holding). As per operator, pastry's were baked and placed into warmer an hour and a half prior to inspection. Operator turned heat up in warmer at time of callback inspection report. **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on shelves on drying rack of dishes. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: Observed rust on shelves on drying rack of dishes at time of callback inspection report. As per operator, new shelves were ordered or replace the old ones. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of pickled stored on floor in back of kitchen. Operator moved to shelf for proper protection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: Observed bag of rice on floor of kitchen at time of callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
74
Dec 11, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs with ambient temperature greater than 45F. As per operator, eggs have been on line less than 1 hour prior to inspection. Operator placed eggs in reach in cooler for rapid chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk in cooler hashbrown (45-50F - Cooling). As per operator, hashbrown were heat treated and placed in walk in cooler day prior to inspection. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican patty in warmer at front counter 112F. Operator stated the pastry's were there less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Operator turned heat up in machine. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in cooler hashbrown (45-50F - Cooling). As per operator, hashbrown were heat treated and placed in walk in cooler day prior to inspection. **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Observed probe thermometer soiled. **Warning**
22-12-5
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed Lox cream cheese with smoked salmon not identified on menu. Oberseved manager mark salmon on menu either asterisk to identify raw item. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on shelves on drying rack of dishes. **Warning**
22-31-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed spinach pies in freezer with no label or date mark. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of pickled stored on floor in back of kitchen. Operator moved to shelf for proper protection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored inside bucket, not allowed to air dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bucket of sugar not labeled underneath prep table in back of kitchen. **Warning**
02D-01-5
30
Mar 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
43
Dec 19, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
20
Feb 23, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed parsley covered by non food grade paper at walk-in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-23: Observed parsley covered by non food grade paper at walk-in cooler. **Time Extended**
14-86-1
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired on 10-1-2022. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-23: Observed license expired on 10-1-2022. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed hole on ceiling at mop sink area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-23: Observed hole on ceiling at mop sink area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-23: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Time Extended**
50-09-4
67
Aug 15, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : 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 potatoes (56-57F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per operator, item was prepared on the previous day. Provided Cooling handouts to operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-15: Observed no items cooling at time of the inspection. **Time Extended**
03D-02-5
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. Observed container of cooked beef not date marked at walk in cooler. As per operator, item was prepared in the previous day. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-15: Observed container rice at walk in cooler not date marked. As per operator item was prepared on the previous day. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed hole in ceiling near ware washing area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-15: Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed hole in ceiling near ware washing area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of beans stored on floor near storage shelf near back exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-15: Observed container of beans stored on floor near storage shelf near back exit door. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service trays not inverted near walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-15: Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. **Time Extended**
25-06-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pesto Cafe & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pesto Cafe & Grill on file is from Mar 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pesto Cafe & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Pesto Cafe & Grill.
How does Pesto Cafe & Grill compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Pesto Cafe & Grill most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has Pesto Cafe & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Pesto Cafe & Grill have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Pesto Cafe & Grill 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 Pesto Cafe & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pesto Cafe & Grill is inspected around three times per year on average.
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