Cafe Zoey
Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026
61
Score
Public records show three inspections at Cafe Zoey stretching back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 9, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The most recent inspection cleaned up several issues, finishing with six violations after 10 on the prior visit.
Personal cleanliness comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Providence restaurant, which scores around 80. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
3
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 9, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Equipment material allows contamination or unsafe migration
Inspector notes: The pestle (of the mortar and pestle) was observed to be wrapped in tape, impacting its ability to be cleaned and sanitized, as it is no longer smooth.
4-101.11
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was 0 parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium must be 200 ppm. Establishment must maintain daily Sanitizer Logs.
4-501.114
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served.
2-102.12(A)
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
2-402.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the knife rack, and cold drawers have an accumulation of food residue, and other debris. Wall-mounted fan has an accumulation of dust.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The area near the dump sink in the cooking area is in poor repair along the wall, with a large crack impacting its ability to be cleaned and sanitized. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
61
Jun 24, 2024
Re-Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
2-402.11
95
Jun 12, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 12 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 19 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was 0 parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium must be 200 ppm.
4-501.114
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the ice machine were observed with an accumulation of soil residue and biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: An open bin of clean towels observed stored on the floor beneath the hand sink in the kitchen. Clean equipment, utensils, and linens must be stored in a clean dry location, where they are not subject to dust, splash, or other contamination, and at least 6 inches above the floor.
4-903.11(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by an accumulation of large rodent droppings directly outside the kitchen door. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. Proof of pest control service to be provided at Reinspection.
6-501.111
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection. Owner arrived during inspection.
2-101.11
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonia sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink and sanitizer buckets.
4-302.14
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea. English Responding to Vomiting and Diarrhea
2-501.11
Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The ice bin was not stored inverted.
4-901.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the wall-mounted fan have an accumulation of dust and debris.
4-602.13
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
Inspector notes: The door to the toilet room in the kitchen is not self-closing.
6-501.19
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: The outside dumpster is not covered. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered.
5-501.113
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: The dumpster area has an accumulation of leaf litter and debris. The dumpster area must be maintained clean.
5-501.115
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The areas outside the back door, along the building, and behind the walk in cooler have an accumulation of litter, leaf litter, debris, and rodent droppings. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The walk in fan cover has an accumulation of dust and mold. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floor in the walk in cooler has an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: An open employees' beverage container was observed stored in a food preparation area. Employees shall not drink from open beverage containers in order to prevent contamination of their hands, the container, and exposed food.
2-401.11
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the toilet room was lacking proper signage.
6-301.14
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Food observed stored on the floor in the walk in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
2-402.11
26
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Zoey last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Zoey on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Zoey?
Across the inspection record, personal cleanliness has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cafe Zoey.
How does Cafe Zoey compare to other restaurants in Providence?
Cafe Zoey most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.
Has Cafe Zoey's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Zoey have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around six violations compared to about 10 previously.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cafe Zoey 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 Cafe Zoey inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Zoey is inspected around two times per year on average.
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