Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
32
Score
Inspectors have visited Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant 12 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 18, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly seven violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing”, which has been cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant's 32 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
12
Inspections
4
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on hose at mop sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Missing on pizzas. Missing on garlic in oil Person in charge time stamped pizzas and oil. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Grouper thawed in bag. Bag clearly states it should remain frozen until it's removed from bag and then thaw.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook place gloves on without washing his hands first. Addressed and he washed his hands then put gloves on. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Veal thawing in hand washing sink. Person in charge removed veal. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Soup, broccolini, butter not dated. Person in charge dated yesterday. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. In walk in freezer chicken on floor. Person in charge moved chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Pair of tongs hanging from oven. Addressed and person in charge removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Establishment is missing several hand washing signs.
31B-04-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Serveral wet mops on floor.person in charge hung all up to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bread crumbs not labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Square container used as a scoop. Cup in pasta Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
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. Grouper thawed in bag.
06-09-1
32
Dec 29, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher sanitizer 0ppm. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: Time extended. **Time Extended**
22-41-4
86
Dec 15, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher sanitizer 0ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 13 live roaches on main cookline behind equipment and underneath grill station. Operator was able to kill 6 on-site. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager Brian expired food manager certification.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener in kitchen has build up on blade. Operator took to dish area. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink near pizza station has ice dump inside.
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine deflector plate soiled with build up. Operator cleaned before end of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher soiled with debris. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufflé cups used to scoop food items on cookline. Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 7 dead roaches in kitchen behind and underneath equipment on cookline. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap beneath back door near kitchen cookline. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from oven handle on cookline. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in salad bar wait station cooler. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
39
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Fully thawed raw grouper in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements not followed.
01B-13-4
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. No proof of training for employees. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water at bottom of reach in cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher soiled.
16-21-4
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. Fully thawed raw grouper in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements not followed.
06-09-1
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in kitchen no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap beneath back door in kitchen area and also door in front of walk in not self closing. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on front of oven handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
58
Dec 9, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major 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
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
70
Jun 19, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine tested at 0ppm chlorine. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken in bowl stored on top of cooked eggplant in back kitchen reach in cooler. Employee moved chicken to proper storage. Raw chicken stored over beef in cooler drawer next to fryer. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board at back prep area has black mold-like substance. Green cutting board on pizza make side with black mold-like substance.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of food handler training for Mario or Laurie. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-13-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of reach in cooler across from dishmachine. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No covered receptacles in both women's restrooms.
32-12-5
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hot water valve on hand wash sink at back kitchen does not work.
29-08-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. In back kitchen, employee beverage stored in top of flip top reach in cooler. Employee removed beverage. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Displayed license expired June 1, 2022.
50-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No employee hand washing sign at bar and by floor mixer hand wash sinks.
31B-04-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lighting above pizza make line is unshielded. **Repeat Violation**
38-07-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on oven door handle at back kitchen. Employee moved to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Case of cheese on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. No hair restraints on three cooks in kitchen.
13-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Two ice buckets next to ice machine are not inverted.
24-05-4
35
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Mar 22, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of raid stored on bottom shelf of prep table next to cooking pans. Operator discarded can during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of glass cleaner stored next to cutting board on prep table. Operator moved bottle during inspection. Observed can of raid stored on bottom shelf of prep table next to cooking pans. Operator discarded can during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food debris buildup on can opener blade. Observed mold-like substance buildup along bottom edge of ice machine drop plate.
22-02-4
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. Observed no written cleanup procedures available. Provided operator with handout during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwash sink near ice machine with pot stored in it. Employee removed pot during inspection. Observed utensils stored in handwash sink in dish area. Operator removed utensils during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Behind front counter observed bottle of bleach without label. Operator labeled bottle during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
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. In reach-in cooler in dining area observed multiple packaged on site items missing date packaged and address of establishment.
02D-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Behind bar observed employee food, short and purse stored next/on top of togo cups and napkins for customers. Employee moved items during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on breading station prep table on cook line. Employee discarded drink during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwash sinks behind bar and in dish area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
37
Nov 16, 2022
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Pizza slices indicated on time paperwork to be held on time with no time mark. Person in charge marked appropriately. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Fresh garlic in butter on counter at 64F person in charge will hold on time for remaining time. Also egg wash on counter at 68F recommend holding on time. Person in charge moved to reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Spray hose below flood plain of triple sink.
29-37-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler raw beef stored over ready to eat items. Person in charge rearranged. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine at 10ppm at dish level, 50ppm in the well. Retested at 50ppm at dish.even after priming. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
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. Cream in bar area unmarked, stated opened Saturday.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Utensils in hand wash sink at dishmachine. Items were removed. Also, trash can blocking hand wash sink, can removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Person in charge unable to provide chlorine test strips during inspection. Also, lime buildup observed in dishmachine.
16-37-1
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/ 4+ employees present with no CFM present.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hot water not working at hand wash sink by back door by cookline.
27-16-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Spatula handle at cookline in water with melted handle, no longer smooth and easily cleanable.
14-11-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives stored between wall and knife strip. Also tongs hanging from oven handles. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing from hand wash sink at bar, at hand wash sink by dishmachine.
31B-04-4
25
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant.
How does Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant 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 Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Romano's Pizzeria and Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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