Steves Famous Pizza
Last inspected: Oct 27, 2025
70
Score
Public records show four inspections at Steves Famous Pizza stretching back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 27, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around six violations across recent inspections versus roughly 12 violations before.
Looking across the full record, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
That's lower than the typical Portsmouth restaurant, which scores around 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 27, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the makeline area was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: -exterior of 1 door cooler -can storage rack -mixer -fanguards in walk-in cooler -fan
4-601.11(B)
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The walls and floor in the storage hallway area are in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Celling tiles in the food preparation areas were observed with large water stains or in poor repair. Ceiling tiles in kitchen areas front and back are constructed of composite acoustic tiles that are not smooth, durable, non-absorbent and easily cleanable. Celling tiles need to be replaced with a smooth, durable, non-absorbent easily cleanable material.
6-101.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor tiles by the back area handsink and greasetrap are in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceiling tiles above the make line area are in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
70
Sep 25, 2024
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: Sink drain pump at handsink was not in use during time of inspection. Per owner, plumber is waiting on parts. Sewage shall be conveyed to the point of disposal through an approved sanitary sewage system or other system, including use of sewage transport vehicles, waste retention tanks, pumps, pipes, hoses, and connections that are constructed, maintained, and operated according to law.
5-402.13
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: No faucet observed at 3 bay sink; spray hose observed at 3 bay sink. Staff was observed using the faucet at handsink to fill buckets of water to fill basins of 3 bay sink. Faucet required at 3 bay sink. The water source and system shall be of sufficient capacity to meet the peak water demands of the food establishment.
5-103.11
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: The cutting board on the prep unit is very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.
4-501.12
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Celling tiles in the food preparation areas were observed with large water stains or in poor repair. Ceiling tiles in kitchen areas front and back are constructed of composite acoustic tiles that are not smooth, durable, non-absorbent and easily cleanable. Celling tiles need to be replaced with a smooth, durable, non-absorbent easily cleanable material.
6-101.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor tiles by the back area handsink and greasetrap are in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
67
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
5 critical violations. 6 major violations. 7 minor violations. 7 corrected on site.
View 18 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: The mop sink was observed leaking onto floor. Equipment to be in good repair and proper adjustment.
5-205.15
Medicines stored or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employees' medicines were not stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment, or utensils.
7-207.11
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 dressings) 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
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (slicer) was observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Slicer was actively being cleaned during time of inspection.
4-602.11
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Sink drain pump at handsink was observed leaking onto floor when in use. Sewage shall be conveyed to the point of disposal through an approved sanitary sewage system or other system, including use of sewage transport vehicles, waste retention tanks, pumps, pipes, hoses, and connections that are constructed, maintained, and operated according to law.
5-402.13
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: No person certified in food safety was present as needed at the time of inspection.
2-101.11
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Various desserts packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address. Displaying individual labels of product per shelf of product type discussed with staff.
3-602.11
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 sink.
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. State guidance provided to site.
2-501.11
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: No faucet observed at 3 bay sink; spray hose observed at 3 bay sink. Staff was observed using the faucet at handsink to fill buckets of water to fill basins of 3 bay sink. Faucet required at 3 bay sink. The water source and system shall be of sufficient capacity to meet the peak water demands of the food establishment.
5-103.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the pizza prep area was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various foods in cookline prep unit was observed held at 46-49 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Ambient was observed at ranging temperatures of 47-51 degrees Fahrenheit. Per interview of staff, food was prepared and placed recently. Foods were moved to other refrigeration to chill. Unit was adjusted to a colder setting during time of inspection. Equipment must maintain an internal food temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below prior to use.
3-501.16(A)
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knives were observed on an unclean surface (in between prep unit and prep table) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: The cutting board on the prep unit is very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.
4-501.12
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the various equipment (on and around oven, cookline grill, burner, fryer, refrigerator units) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Celling tiles in the food preparation areas were observed with large water stains or in poor repair. Ceiling tiles in kitchen areas front and back are constructed of composite acoustic tiles that are not smooth, durable, non-absorbent and easily cleanable. Celling tiles need to be replaced with a smooth, durable, non-absorbent easily cleanable material.
6-101.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris: - kitchen hoods - floor under equipment and storage - ceiling and floors in back storage hallway The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor tiles by the back area handsink and greasetrap are in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
18
Nov 28, 2023
Routine
6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
Inspector notes: English Responding to Vomiting and Diarrhea
2-501.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: Hand washing sink closest to pizza station was observed out of order. Per interview with staff member there is a leak in the pipe. Hand sink shall be repaired so that it is operating properly.
5-205.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels. Paper towel shall be provided at hand sinks.
6-301.12
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Desserts packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
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 sink.
4-302.14
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back kitchen area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions. Mop sink was not accessible as it was observed to be used for storage. Mop sink shall be accessible and functional so that gray water can properly be disposed of.
6-501.114
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. PIC that holds FMC license with RIDOH-CFP was not present at time of inspection. No staff member on duty has an 8hr food safety certificate.
2-102.12
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
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Celling tiles in front kitchen area were observed with large water stains. Ceiling tiles in kitchen areas front and back are constructed of a material that is not smooth, durable and non-absorbent and easily cleanable. Celling tiles need to be replaced with a smooth, durable, non-absorbent easily cleanable material.
6-101.11
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Steves Famous Pizza last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Steves Famous Pizza on file is from Oct 27, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Steves Famous Pizza?
Across the inspection record, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Steves Famous Pizza.
How does Steves Famous Pizza compare to other restaurants in Portsmouth?
Steves Famous Pizza most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Portsmouth average of 81.
Has Steves Famous Pizza's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Steves Famous Pizza have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Steves Famous Pizza 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 Steves Famous Pizza inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Steves Famous Pizza is inspected around two times per year on average.
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