Empatakos

610 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
License: Seats - Less than 50
Last inspected: Dec 22, 2025
100
Score
Low Risk

The health department has logged 12 inspections at Empatakos, the earliest from 2024. The most recent report on file is from Dec 22, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around three violations lately and about six violations before that.

“Insects, rodents & animals not present” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Providence restaurant scores 80. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 22, 2025
Environmental Complaint
No violations found.
100
Aug 21, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the (all ) refrigeration unit(s). Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: (2 Dr Reach in ) located in the (kitchen ) area was not in good repair. Ambient temperatures observed at 49DF. Establishment not allowed to store any TCS food product in unit until repaired and/or replaced.
4-501.11
86
Aug 14, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Empanadas) was observed held at (119 ) 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 product to 165 or above.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Inspector observed a rodent burrow located in outside dumpster area. PIC informed.
6-501.111
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: (2 dr reach in and serving line cold hold unit ) located in the (kitchen and front counter ) area was not in good repair.Ambient temperatures observed at 50df and 46DF. Establishment not allowed to store any TCS product in unit until repaired and/or replaced.
4-501.11
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The condensate from the walk in cooler evaporator pan is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.
5-403.12
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 floors and walls throughout the basement 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
64
Jul 29, 2025
Environmental Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Restricted-use pesticide applied improperly
Inspector notes: Inspector observed rodenticide (green disks) being used within the establishment. Owner informed to cease practice.
7-206.11
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-103.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Ground beef, pasta, etc. were 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
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents are not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings. 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
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Per PIC, grease trap is in and observed in poor repair in the basement area. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Unit is to be serviced/repaired and in good working order.
4-501.11
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: Inspector observed liquid waste in basement. PIC instructed employee to clean and sanitize entire area during inspection.
5-403.12
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The dumpster and surrounding area were observed overflowing with trash and unnecessary items. PIC called for cleaning of area and contacted dumpster Co. during inspection.
5-501.115
55
Jul 14, 2025
Environmental Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (raw chicken) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (red peppers) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Chicken) was observed held at (107) 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 voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (flies and rodents ) is not controlled as evidenced by (live activity of flies and droppings in basement). 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
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: (Food product) were observed stored on the floor in the (walk in cooler ). Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (food storage shelves in basement ) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and rodent droppings.
4-602.13
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Outside area was observed with an accumulation of trash ,litter, and other debris.
5-501.115
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors in basement have an accumulation of soil residue, food debris, and pooled. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.Grease trap in the basement was observed being cleaned during inspection.
6-501.12
Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected
Inspector notes: Protective shielding is not provided for the lights in the (basement ) area. Light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
6-202.11
52
Feb 19, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of flies are 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
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The refuse has an accumulation of litter and unnecessary item(s). PIC informed to clean and maintain.
5-501.115
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Areas of basement observed with soil residue and pieces of insulation. PIC informed to thoroughly clean, sanitize and maintain.
6-501.114
82
Feb 5, 2025
Environmental Complaint
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Nesting material and rub marks observed in several areas of the basement. Owner informed to clean and monitor areas.
6-501.111
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Inspector observed clutter and unused items in outside area(s). Owner informed to remove all unecessary items.
6-501.114
86
Jan 30, 2025
Reinspection for Opening
No violations found.
100
Jan 27, 2025
Environmental Complaint
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as bread) in the two door lo boy. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. PIC relocated eggs during inspection.
3-302.11
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed a bag of carrots slimy with visible white debris. Disposed.
3-101.11
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-103.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks in the kitchen and serving area were lacking paper towels. Paper towel and napkins provided.
6-301.12
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents are not controlled as evidenced by rub marks, nesting material, gnawing at door and electrical wire, burrows and droppings throughout food prep area. 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
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: Several areas in the food prep areas and basement are in poor repair. Several openings observed. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair and seal to prevent entry of pests.
6-501.11
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
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the grease trap, trays and prep tables throughout the food prep area have an accumulation of rodent droppings, dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. All surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
4-602.13
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The dumpster area and area outside of side door has an accumulation of trash, debris and unused equipment (fryolator, wiring, shopping carts, etc). Area to be cleaned and maintained.
5-501.115
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The entire establishment (kitchen, walk-in cooler, food prep areas and basement) have an accumulation of rodent droppings, soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.114
43
Oct 29, 2024
Environmental Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Various empanadas and rice) was observed held at (102- 131) 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 to 165 during inspection
3-501.16(A)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Macaroni Salad) was observed held at (52) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC moved to colder unit
3-501.16(A)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the front counter area was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Outside refuse area observed with a small accumulation of trash, litter, and/or other debris.
5-501.115
64
Feb 20, 2024
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Recently prepared potato salad and pasta salad was observed held at 47 and 49degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC place in refrigeration to rapidly cool.
3-501.16(A)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the service area was lacking soap and paper towels.
6-301.12
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the dry storeroom, 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
74
Feb 6, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 8 major violations. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Food obtained from unapproved source
Inspector notes: Inspector observed various desserts from an unapproved source. PIC informed to cease sale of products and to remove from establishment.
3-201.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen and the basement were lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Handwashing sink water not at required temperature
Inspector notes: The front service area is lacking a hand-washing sink. Inspector observed adequate plumbing for hand-washing sink installation.
5-202.12
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Sliced tomatoes were observed at 52-degrees Fahrenheit in the service prep unit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Containers were moved to refrigeration for rapid cooling.
3-501.16(A)
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. A large, covered plastic container of beans prepared this morning was observed with a temperature of 80. Staff placed beans in shallow metal pans to properly cool.
3-501.15
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by large rodent droppings in basement. 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
Live animals present in food establishment (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed a live cat in the kitchen during time of inspection. Feline feces and empty cat food cans were observed in basement. Staff removed cat during inspection.
6-501.115
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by dirty knives. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Knives were moved to 3-bay sink.
6-301.12
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the dry storeroom, 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
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Multiple food items were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator and freezer. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils are not stored inverted.
4-903.11(A)
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Single service items are not being stored properly in their original protective package and/or are stored on a surface that is not clean in the front service area. Inspector observed packages of single use containers stored on the floor.
4-903.11(A)
32

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Empatakos last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Empatakos on file is from Dec 22, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Empatakos?

Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Empatakos.

How does Empatakos compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Empatakos most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Providence average of 80.

Has Empatakos' inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Empatakos 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 Empatakos means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Empatakos inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Empatakos is inspected around six times per year on average.