Don Cesar

41 Central Street, Providence, RI 02907

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Nov 20, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Public records show three inspections at Don Cesar stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Nov 20, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “warewashing facilities”, showing up two times.

Compared to other Providence restaurants (averaging 80), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 20, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink.

4-302.14

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) was observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC took machine out of service to be washed/sanitized. PIC disposed of ice.

4-601.11(A)

Working containers of toxic materials not identified

Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.

7-102.11

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the front, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.

6-202.15

Jul 13, 2023

Reinspection for Opening

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine is lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed.

5-402.11

Jul 10, 2023

Opening

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine is lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed.

5-402.11

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the (chlorine) sanitizing solution for the (3 bay sinks).

4-302.14

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of fruit flies is not controlled as evidenced by live activity. 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.

6-501.111

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the bar area, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.

6-202.15

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: The condensate from the air conditioning unit is leaking onto a a floor. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.

5-403.12

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the toilet rooms is not self-closing.

6-202.14

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Don Cesar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Don Cesar on file is from Nov 20, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Don Cesar?

Across the inspection record, “warewashing facilities” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Don Cesar.

How does Don Cesar compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Don Cesar most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Don Cesar's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Don Cesar have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Don Cesar 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 Don Cesar inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Don Cesar is inspected roughly once per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 52 — High Risk

Mcdonald's

343 Broad Street

Score: 95 — Low Risk

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