La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant
Last inspected: Dec 2, 2025
70
Score
La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant appears in inspection records eight times, starting in 2023. La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant was last inspected on Dec 2, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from eight violations to seven.
Looking across the full record, insects, rodents & animals not present is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 2, 2025
Re-Inspection
3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of roaches are not controlled as evidenced by live sighting near handsink and on glueboards. 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 or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of black residue and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Unit taken out of service to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Ice melted during inspection.
4-601.11(A)
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: ROP fish observed thawing with packaging still intact. PIC instructed employee to remove fish from packaging.
3-501.13
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The cold water knob located to the hand sink (3 bay sink area) was not in good repair. Knob observed loose and unable to turn on water.
4-501.11
70
Oct 1, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
Inspector notes: (Chicharron, pasta, beans , and fish), which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours.PIC voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.14
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of (PIC ), (Various food product ) was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.
3-501.15
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (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
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (stove hoods ) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Various food product observed being stored in non food grade containers.
3-307.11
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the (kitchen prep area ) do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.13
58
Sep 9, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Various food product) was observed held at (46-61 ) 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 voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (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
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of residue. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dish cloth were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Various food product observed being stored in non food grade containers
3-307.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Outside refuse area observed with an accumulation of trash, litter, and other debris. Refuse areas must be kept clean as often as necessary to keep them clean.
5-501.115
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the (back outside) area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The (outside concrete /foundation observed is in poor repair.Observed holes and cracks. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.114
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the (kitchen prep area ) do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.13
50
Aug 18, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Beans and chicharron), which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours.PIC voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.14
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.Unit was taken out of service to be washed and sanitized. PIC voluntarily disposed of ice.
4-601.11(A)
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of (PIC ), ( beans and chicharron ) was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.PIC informed.
3-501.15
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (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
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dish cloths and spoon were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Various food product was observed being stored in non food grade containers.
3-307.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: 1.food storage shelves 2.can opener base 3.all refrigeration units
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the walk in cooler 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
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the (kitchen prep area ) do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.16
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the (back outside) area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The following physical facilities is in poor repair: 1.door frame (back area) observed with a hole. 2.outside concrete/foundation observed with holes. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.114
45
Aug 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Black beans), which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours.PIC voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.14
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
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of (PIC ), (Black beans) was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.PIC informed.
3-501.15
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (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
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of black residue. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.Unit taken out of service to be washed and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the facility(including walk in cooler) 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
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the (hallway and prep area kitchen ) do not have coving.Coving observed detaching from wall. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.16
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the (back outside) 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 in good repair
Inspector notes: The following physical observed in poor repair: 1.door frame(back area) observed with a hole 2.wall above 3 bay sink has drywall material 3.outside foundation/concrete observed with holes. 4.hallway wall observed material/covering detaching from wall. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
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(A)
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Screen doors located in the back kitchen observed in poor repair. Screen damged/ripped.
6-202.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Various food product was observed being stored in non food grade containers.
3-307.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces of the have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: 1.food storage shelves 2.food prep shelves throughout establishment 3.shelves under steam table 4.dough mixer 5.can opener base 6.all refrigerator units
4-602.13
39
Sep 8, 2023
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 23, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A sanitizer bucket was observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. Handsink cleared during inspection.
5-205.11
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
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The walls and floor drains throughout the establishment has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.114
78
Aug 3, 2023
Re-Inspection
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-102.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of black residue and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Unit taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Soup, 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 and flies are not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings, presence and live activity (flies). 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
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the facility (kitchen, bar areas) have an accumulation of flies, soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.114
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant on file is from Dec 2, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, insects, rodents & animals not present has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant.
How does La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Providence?
La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.
Has La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around seven violations compared to about eight previously.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant 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 La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Sonrisa Cafeteria Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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