Piccola Italia Restaurant

37502 W Sr 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Italian
Last inspected: Nov 7, 2025
67
Score
Medium Risk

Piccola Italia Restaurant has been inspected 17 times since 2023. On Nov 7, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “roach activity present as evidenced”, showing up six times.

By comparison, the average Zephyrhills facility scores 83, putting Piccola Italia Restaurant on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on table top in prep area stained with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. On shelves in dry storage.
22-31-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. In walk in cooler.
14-33-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
67
Jun 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Ricotta cheese reach in cooler on cooks line.
02C-03-5
90
Sep 20, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Has not been cleaned **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling in prep and storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
90
Sep 18, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. eggplant Rollafini (46F - Cold Holding); cheesecake 1/2 (46F - Cold Holding); Fettuchini (47F - Cold Holding); tiramisu (47F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (46F - Cold Holding); mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (47F - Cold Holding); ; ham (46F - Cold Holding); meatballs (46F - Cold Holding); chicken raw (47F - Cold Holding); shrimp raw (47F - Cold Holding); haddock raw (46F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (46F - Cold Holding); breaded chicken (46F cold hold) **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 1 lives beetle was observed on the floor next to ice machine in server area. Operator removed the beetle and cleaned and sanitized the area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-09-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. eggplant Rollafini (46F - Cold Holding); cheesecake 1/2 (46F - Cold Holding); Fettuchini (47F - Cold Holding); tiramisu (47F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (46F - Cold Holding); mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (47F - Cold Holding); ; ham (46F - Cold Holding); meatballs (46F - Cold Holding); chicken raw (47F - Cold Holding); shrimp raw (47F - Cold Holding); haddock raw (46F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (46F - Cold Holding); breaded chicken (46F cold hold) **Warning**
01B-02-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling in prep and storage area. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and behind equipment in the cook line, prep area, storage areas. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Loaf bread stored on the floor in prep room, discussed the need to store all food a minimal of 6 inches off the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
50
Jul 12, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
90
Jul 10, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings on floor in storage room. 4 rodent droppings behind ice machine on service line for servers **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.2 live roaches on trap Under prep table on cooks line.1 live roach ontop of Togo lid under prep table on cooks line. 7 live roaches on trap under pizza oven 4 live under pizza oven a hole in wall behind the oven **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cook noodles in cooling process covered with plastic wrap employee uncovered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Raid spray cans above dish washing machine. **Warning**
41-04-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler marinara sauce cook noodles, lasagna. Prosciutto. Employees covered food. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 5 dead roaches under dish washing sink. 1 dead roach behind 2 compartment sink by bathroom. 1 dead roach under prep table by walk in cooler. 1 dead roach under oven on cooks line. 40 dead roaches on trap under prep table on cooks line. 3 dead roaches in storage area. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under reach in coolers throughout cooks line. And under shelves in walk in cooler. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Italian sausage frozen shrimp in boxes on floor walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-38-4
50
Apr 26, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-26: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended**
09-01-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-26: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended**
12A-02-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Observed 2 live roaches in between crack of doorway to prep room/dry storage area, 1 live roach crawling on floor underneath reach-in freezer off cook line, 1 live roach underneath prep table holding slicer next to the walk-in cooler and 1 live roach on sticky trap to the right of the stored wine glasses in wait station area. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: - 1 live small roach crawling across floor tiles to the left of the reach-in freezer off the cook line in front of the three compartment sink. - 1 live roach on corner of reach-in freezer near corner of door off the cook line in front of the three compartment sink. - 1 live small roach crawling on ledge behind handwash sink off cook line next to the three compartment sink. - 3 live roaches underneath prep table along the beveled edges of the prep table holding the slicer in front of the walk-in cooler off of the cook line. Operator killed roaches on site and started to clean and sanitize equipment. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: Observed 2 live roaches underneath prep table holding slicer next to the walk-in cooler and 1 live roach underneath shelf holding phone in prep room off dry storage area near doorway. Operator and employee eliminated. Discussed cleaning and sanitizing area. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-26: 3 dead roaches found in prep area. Operator cleaned and sanitized area after discarding roaches. **Time Extended**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-26: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-26: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
55
Apr 25, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended**
12A-02-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Observed 2 live roaches in between crack of doorway to prep room/dry storage area, 1 live roach crawling on floor underneath reach-in freezer off cook line, 1 live roach underneath prep table holding slicer next to the walk-in cooler and 1 live roach on sticky trap to the right of the stored wine glasses in wait station area. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: - 1 live small roach crawling across floor tiles to the left of the reach-in freezer off the cook line in front of the three compartment sink. - 1 live roach on corner of reach-in freezer near corner of door off the cook line in front of the three compartment sink. - 1 live small roach crawling on ledge behind handwash sink off cook line next to the three compartment sink. - 3 live roaches underneath prep table along the beveled edges of the prep table holding the slicer in front of the walk-in cooler off of the cook line. Operator killed roaches on site and started to clean and sanitize equipment. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: Observed 2 live roaches underneath prep table holding slicer next to the walk-in cooler and 1 live roach underneath shelf holding phone in prep room off dry storage area near doorway. Operator and employee eliminated. Discussed cleaning and sanitizing area. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-05-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended**
09-01-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-25: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
55
Apr 24, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended**
12A-02-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Not observed due to establishment being closed at time of callback. **Time Extended**
09-01-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: Observed 2 live roaches in between crack of doorway to prep room/dry storage area, 1 live roach crawling on floor underneath reach-in freezer off cook line, 1 live roach underneath prep table holding slicer next to the walk-in cooler and 1 live roach on sticky trap to the right of the stored wine glasses in wait station area. **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on table while food prep is being done. One employee on pizza line and another employee cutting tomatoes. Observed employee drinks stored above wait station area reach-in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-24: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
52
Apr 23, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands. **Warning**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 3 rodent droppings in dry storage area behind mixer and 1 rodent dropping behind storage rack off of the cook line. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass. **Warning**
09-01-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach in a sticky trap underneath prep table in prep area/dry storage area and 1 dead roach behind storage rack off of cook line. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on table while food prep is being done. One employee on pizza line and another employee cutting tomatoes. Observed employee drinks stored above wait station area reach-in cooler. **Warning**
12B-07-4
43
Dec 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. In storage room above door frame, also acoustic tiles are present **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: **Time Extended**
36-36-4
95
Dec 4, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Server Station: jarred tomato and meat sauce (71F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (73F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (73F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding). Stop sale issued, out since last Wednesday **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Jars of meat sauce in server station **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. **Warning**
41-07-4
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. Emailed copy to manager **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pans of lasagna not dated **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed several cloths in walk in cooler on cut lettuce, and cooked pasta. Observed towel on bread in storage **Warning**
21-05-5
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Employee restroom door left open **Warning**
32-02-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. In storage room above door frame, also acoustic tiles are present **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone on cook line **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Jars of tomato and meat sauce dont have date packaged **Warning**
02D-03-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. On cook line **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed purple monster can in reach in freezer **Warning**
12B-13-4
37
Jun 5, 2023
Complaint Partial
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
95
May 10, 2023
Complaint Full
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In dish area
36-24-5
Basic - Stored food not covered in walk in cooler. Observed pans of sauce and pasta uncovered in walk in cooler
08B-12-5
90
May 3, 2023
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-03: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In dish area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-03: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
86
May 2, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches on glue trap under dish machine. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 30 rodent droppings on shelf under dish area. Observed 20 rodent droppings on floor under dish area. Observed 17 droppings on chemical cart Observed 3 droppings in empty boxes in dish area Observed 4 droppings on floor in prep area **Warning**
35A-04-4
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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In dish area **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 5 dead roaches on floor in prep area **Warning**
35A-03-4
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Piccola Italia Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Piccola Italia Restaurant on file is from Nov 7, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Piccola Italia Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “roach activity present as evidenced” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Piccola Italia Restaurant.

How does Piccola Italia Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Zephyrhills?

Piccola Italia Restaurant most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Zephyrhills average of 83.

Has Piccola Italia Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Piccola Italia Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Piccola Italia 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 Piccola Italia Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Piccola Italia Restaurant is inspected around seven times per year on average.