Amsale Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 26, 2026
64
Score
Inspectors have visited Amsale Cafe three times, with records going back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 26, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to five violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
Compared to other Philadelphia restaurants (averaging 72), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
3
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 26, 2026
Reinspection
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Proper date marking & disposition
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observations: -Potentially hazardous foods, including lentils, collard greens, stew lamb, and stew beef, prepared in the facility and held for more than 48 hours in the reach-in refrigerator were not date marked. -Opened banana roots stored in the reach-in refrigerator were not marked with the date they were opened. *The person in charge properly date marked all food items during the inspection.
46.385(b)
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the toilet room. *The person in charge provided paper towel during the inspection.
46.941(a)-(e)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Melted butter was not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the food prep area.
46.321
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Inspector notes: Observed clean pots and bowls being stored on the floor and NOT covered or inverted in the back storage area. New Violation.
46.774
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Observations: -Traps containing dead cockroaches in the storage area. -Old mouse droppings along the floor perimeter of the storage area. -Clutter in the storage area. New Violation.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
64
Oct 31, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 9 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Food separated & protected
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Uncovered sliced onions, sauce, and opened tomatoes were observed inside the reach-in refrigerator. *The person in charge covered the food items during the inspection.
46.301
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: Visible physical evidence of rodent (mouse droppings) observed in the storage area. New Violation.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food was not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the food prep area.
46.321
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Inspector notes: A large colander bowl was stored upright on the floor beneath the three-compartment sink, rather than being stored upside down in the designated dry storage area. New Violation.
46.774
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Observed non NSF approved microwave "GE" in the food prep area.
46.673
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Ice buildup was observed inside the chest freezers. New Violation.
46.714
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: A backflow prevention device was not observed at the utility sink. New Violation.
46.823(c)-(e)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Brooms and dust pan stored on the floor rather than hanging on a utility rack in the food prep area.
46.981(e)(m)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Hood filters had an accumulation of grease.
46.544(e)
Thermometer provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperatures of equipment was not available or readily accessible in reach-in refrigerator located in the food preparation area. New Violation.
46.562
55
Dec 13, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The handwashing sink in the food prep area does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device. *The person in charge provided paper towels during the inspection.
46.941(a)-(e)
Food separated & protected
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw animal foods stored above ice bags inside the chest freezer. *The person in charge removed the ice bags from the chest freezer.
46.281
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. New Violation.
46.321
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Inspector notes: Pans were stored on the floor, upright instead of upside down in the dry storage area. *Person in charge was instructed to take immediate corrective actions. New Violation.
46.774
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing. New Violation.
46.672
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Dust and food debris were observed around the floor perimeter throughout the facility. New Violation.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employees food was observed inside reach-in refrigerator. *The person in charge labeled the container as "Employee Food".
46.963
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Amsale Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Amsale Cafe on file is from Feb 26, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Amsale Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Amsale Cafe.
Has Amsale Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Amsale Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Amsale Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
Nearby Restaurants