El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria
Last inspected: Mar 23, 2026
74
Score
Going back to 2024, El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria has three inspections in the public record. On Mar 23, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly 11 violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “proper date marking and disposition”, which has been cited two times.
By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria on the weaker side. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
3
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 23, 2026
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 2 Dr Reach in freezer is in poor repair. Observed pooled water under unit. PIC informed.
5-205.15
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: (Various food product) was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The walls in kitchen have 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
74
Mar 4, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: The 3 bay sink observed in poor repair. Leak observed at the plumbing.
5-205.15
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (pans and blender) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Various food product) was observed held at (105-118) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated food to proper temperatures during inspection.
3-501.16(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: ( Various food product) was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Hot water was lacking at the handwashing sink in the kitchen.
5-103.11
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the kitchen and front counter area. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
6-301.11
Plumbing installed: proper backflow device
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cups were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Handwashing signage was lacking at handwashing sink in the kitchen. A sign or poster must be posted notfying employees of handwashing.
6-301.14
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of (dry ingredients ) are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of (dry ingredients ) are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: (Various food product and single service items ) were observed stored on the floor in the (kitchen, front counter, and basement area ). Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: (A wood pestle and mortar ) located in the (kitchen ) area was not in good repair.Wood observed chiseled and cracked.
4-101.17
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (1 dr reach in and condiment shelf ) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the (basement) area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The walls in kitchen have 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
33
Mar 4, 2024
Opening
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: The faucet at 3-bay sink is loose, does not reach all 3 bays, and leaks.
5-205.15
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was 400parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium must be 200 ppm. PIC refilled sink to proper concentration during inspection.
4-601.11(A)
Toxic materials not properly labeled
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical. PIC placed label on unmarked bottle of degreaser during inspection.
7-101.11
Sanitizer test kit not available
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution for the 3-bay sink. PIC ordered test strips during inspection.
4-302.14
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: The walls in the service area are constructed of exposed wood. This material is not durable. Materials for wall surfaces shall be smooth, durable, easily cleanable, and non-absorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, and toilet rooms.
6-501.17
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: The lights under the hood were observed not functioning during inspection.
6-303.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: 1 door freezer located in the service area was not in good repair. Inspector observed torn gasket.
4-501.11
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria on file is from Mar 23, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria?
Across the inspection record, “proper date marking and disposition” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria.
How does El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria compare to other restaurants in Providence?
El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.
Has El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria 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 El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Papa Restaurant Cafeteria is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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