Serene's Deli

3200 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026

Score

Medium Risk Grade: B

Going back to 2024, Serene's Deli has four inspections in the public record. Serene's Deli was last inspected on Mar 26, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around one violation to closer to four violations.

The pattern that stands out is “certified food protection manager”, which has been cited four times.

By comparison, the average Phoenix facility scores 97, putting Serene's Deli on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 26, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed chicken tortilla soup at 34-50'F in the steam table by hand sink. Per PIC, the soup was placed directly into the steam table 30 mins prior to inspection and not reheated to 165'F prior to placing them in the steam table. All other items in the hot holding wells were at or above 135'F at the time of inspection. Per PIC, all items above 135'F were reheated to 165'F prior to placing in the hot holding wells. The PIC removed chicken tortilla soup from the steam table and reheated to 165'F at the time of inspection. Discussed proper reheating with the PIC. All food being reheated must be reheated to 165'F prior to holding hot above 135'F

3-403.11

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed main hand sink with two strainers stored within and dried food debris throughout the sink basin at time of inspection. Discussed hand sink requirements with PIC. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection

5-205.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Manager (CFM) onsite at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) was unable to produce a valid certified food protection manager certificate. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provide a CFPM onsite by next routine inspection. **2nd Consecutive Violation**

2-102.12(A)

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed caulking around designated hand sink to be missing, cracked, or otherwise degraded, rendering the area neither smooth, nor easily cleanable. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection

6-501.11

Sep 10, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present at time of inspection. A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

May 13, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Jun 25, 2024

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Correct prior to next routine inspection

2-102.12(A)

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed reversed installation of hot/cold water faucet spindles at handwashing sink by the 3-comp sink. Hot spindle dispensing cold water and cold spindle dispensing hot water, measured at 103'F. Plumbing fixtures must be maintained in good repair

5-205.15(B)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Serene's Deli last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Serene's Deli on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Serene's Deli?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Serene's Deli.

How does Serene's Deli compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Serene's Deli most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Serene's Deli's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Serene's Deli have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Serene's Deli 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 Serene's Deli inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Serene's Deli is inspected around two times per year on average.

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