Zona Cantina + Cocina

5609 E Mckellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026
95
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

Inspectors have visited Zona Cantina + Cocina five times, with records going back to 2024. On Mar 19, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around one violation each.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Mesa restaurants. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed scoop used for ice cream sitting in pan of water measuring at ~80*F. Discussed ensuring that in-use utensils are stored properly. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection
3-304.12
95
Sep 3, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed vacuum packaged tuna and tilapia thawing under refrigeration in packaging. Advised staff and manager to open the packages to ensure that fish is not thawing under an anaerobic environment. All ROP fish labeled "Keep Frozen" must be removed completely from reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) prior to thawing under refrigeration or immediately after thawing under cold running water. All ROP fish was removed from ROP packaging at time of inspection
3-501.13
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed cutting boards with a large amount of scratches and scores prevalent. Discussed resurfacing or replacing cutting boards
4-501.12
90
May 20, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 14, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 30, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Improper handwashing procedure (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dish employee was asked to wash hands due to improper hand washing and washed for 7 seconds start to finish. Hands must be washed for 10-15 seconds and the whole procedure from start to finish must take 20 seconds. Employee corrected at time of inspection. PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: Observed kitchen employee return from bathroom, enter the kitchen, dawn apron, and apply gloves for food service . Employee was asked wash hands at time of inspection, hands must be washed in the kitchen before resuming food service. Observed dishwasher operate dishwasher, wash dirty dishes and transition to clean side and handle clean dishes. Employee was asked to wash hands at time of inspection, employee washed hands incorrectly (see cleaning procedure violation) and corrected. Hands must be washed when transitioning from contaminated to clean condition tasks
2-301.12
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Zona Cantina + Cocina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Zona Cantina + Cocina on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Zona Cantina + Cocina compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Zona Cantina + Cocina most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Mesa average of 95.

Has Zona Cantina + Cocina's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Zona Cantina + Cocina have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Zona Cantina + Cocina means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.