Villa Venezuela
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Villa Venezuela nine times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jan 28, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 11 violations per visit versus roughly six violations earlier in the record.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Compared to other Sarasota restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in kitchen.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.Observed no date marking on any prepared food items. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at hand sink in kitchen.
27-16-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed 1/4" gap around rear door. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed soup, potatos, sugar containers, and tortillas stored on floor in preparation area and dry storage area. Also, produce and meats on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed 5" hole in wall towards triple sink near pipe.
36-24-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at sink in kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gasket on right door of reach in cooler across from grill.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef prepared previous day in reach in cooler, not covered. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed no coving along triple sink wall.
36-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on left door of reach in cooler across from grill.
14-11-5
50
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in glass door reach in cooler 7 lbs. pork carnitas 81F, beef 46F. Pork carnitas in cooler overnight, see stop sale.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed grill cleaner stored next to oil under preparation table next to reach in cooler on cook line. Person in charge removed cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed sanitizer bucket at 200ppm chlorine. Corrected with Person in charge to 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in glass door reach in cooler, raw chicken and beef stored over cooked pork and beef. Person in charge relocated. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in glass door reach in cooler 7 lbs. pork carnitas 81F, beef 46F. Pork carnitas in cooler overnight, see stop sale.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink blocked by oven.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Nothing prepared held onsite date marked.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Observed at hand washing sink next to triple sink.
31B-06-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.Observed 1/4 " gap around exterior rear door frame.
35B-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed shelf under cooking grill with food debris and grease. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered.Observed beef in reach in freezer not covered.
08B-12-5
30
Mar 19, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board on top of reach in cooler with cut marks. Observed food debris on underside of blade on slicer.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink by oven. Employee added. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap at hand wash sink by oven. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.Did not observe any dates prepared onsite.
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.Observed styrofoam soup cup without handles in salsa in reach in cooler. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.Observed in kitchen area tiles not smooth.
36-37-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed soiled cutting board on top of reach in cooler with cut marks.
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor.Observed eggs and produce on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food debris and grease on shelf under grill. Observed grease buildup on hood filters. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair.Observed no hot water at hand wash sink next to oven.
29-08-4
50
Oct 31, 2024
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
Aug 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.Observed eggs over cooked meats and raw beef over Cooked beans in walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic deli trays in hand sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Operator added. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair.Observed double glass door reach in cooler and stove oven not working. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed at back entrance damage in door frame wall just inside back door.
36-24-5
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. Observed on shared dumpster. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-13-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair.Observed front hand washing sink with drain and trap disconnected. Hand wash sink must be repaired and is in plan. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed 1/2 " gap and 1/4 " gap in exterior back door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
45
Mar 19, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
95
Sep 19, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged.Observed shell eggs stored over ready to eat Empinada and cooked meats. Employee corrected by relocating eggs to bottom of cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Chicken at 104F, and beef at 100F in warmer for approximately 1 3/4 hours. Employee corrected by heating to 167F. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed.Observed triple sink at200 ppm, employee corrected to 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-18-4
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.Printed for operation. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
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. Did not observe any employee health reporting agreements. Printed one for employee who signed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap at Hand wash sink in kitchen area.
31B-03-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair.Observed broken gasket on left door in Reachin Cooler on cook line. Observed Dishwashing Machine out of order.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed 3" gap between tile floors in preparation area and dry storage.
36-17-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.Observed unfinished floor in Walkin Cooler .As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
36-11-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.Observed on shared dumpster with plaza. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
33-11-4
37
Jan 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
35
Aug 18, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed 0 ppm on Dishwashing Machine . Operator to call for service and sanitize all equipment with triple sink until repaired. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
22-49-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles in kit and preparation area not smooth and easily cleanable. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed Walkin Cooler floor not finished. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed drain plugs missing on recycling and garbage dumpsters shared with plaza. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Walkin Cooler door gasket with soil. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open on shared dumpster with plaza. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed back door with self closing mechanism not properly attached. - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-18: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Villa Venezuela last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Villa Venezuela on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Villa Venezuela?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Villa Venezuela.
How does Villa Venezuela compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Villa Venezuela most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Villa Venezuela's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Villa Venezuela have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Villa Venezuela 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 Villa Venezuela inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Villa Venezuela is inspected around three times per year on average.
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