Cafe Ava

44 Hospital Street, Providence, RI 02903

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Apr 20, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2026, Cafe Ava has three inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 20, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.

“Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

The city-wide average is 80, putting Cafe Ava squarely in typical territory. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 20, 2026

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

Inspector notes: An air gap is lacking at the prep sink. An air-break was observed.

5-202.13

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: A case of oranges was observed stored on the floor in the dry storage area; beverages were observed stored on the floor in the unused bar area. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

Inspector notes: Cases of single service items were observed stored on the floor in the unused bar area.

4-903.11(A)

Apr 8, 2026

Environmental Complaint

3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 9 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The following were observed held at or above 46 degrees Fahrenheit: -cream (server low boy, 46-47) -chopped tomato (garnish tray, 54) -tomato broth (on ice, 54) -cheese (reach-in, 45). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Cream was disposed, beverages with temperature 43 degrees or below were moved to other units. Ice slurry was added to garnish tray; ice was added to container with tomato broth. Foods were re-arranged in reach-in to facilitate air flow.

3-501.16(A)

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (stand beverage blender, can opener) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC stated blender is not used and was taken permanently out of service. Can opener taken to be cleaned and sanitized.

4-602.11

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

Inspector notes: An air gap is missing at the prep sink. Inspector observed an air break.

5-202.13

Food label missing or inaccurate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Orange juice packaged in the food establishment are lacking proper labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address. Juice was removed from self-service; label guidance provided.

3-602.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: -blender bases -table-top hot hold unit -low boy tabletop (bar) -can opener base.

4-601.11(B)

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Multiple foods and beverages (flours, rice, beverages) were observed stored on the floor in the storage room, unused bar area, and under service counter. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC has storage containers on order.

3-305.11

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Utensils were cleaned and sanitized, hot water was refilled.

3-304.12

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

Inspector notes: Containers of single service items were observed stored on the floor in the unused bar room.

4-903.11(A)

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: A chemical spray bottle was observed hanging on the splash guard of the handwashing sink in the kitchen. PIC removed.

6-301.13

Mar 9, 2026

Opening

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

Inspector notes: Ice machine is lacking an air gap.

5-202.13

Mops not properly air-dried after use

Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.

6-501.16

Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The drain plug for the outside dumpster is missing. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must have drain plugs in place.

5-501.114

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Ava last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Ava on file is from Apr 20, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Ava?

Across the inspection record, “contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cafe Ava.

How does Cafe Ava compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Cafe Ava most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Providence average of 80.

Has Cafe Ava's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Ava have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Roma

310 Atwells Ave

Score: 50 — High Risk

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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