Wara Wara

776 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

Japanese / Sushi

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Wara Wara has a thin inspection record, with only two visits on file so far. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 9, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The most recent inspection turned up nine violations, more than the seven found previously.

When inspectors have written things up, required records available has been the most frequent reason, cited one time.

Compared to other Providence restaurants (averaging 80), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 9, 2026

Routine

2 major violations. 7 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 9 violations

Required records available; molluscan shellfish identification, parasite destruction

Inspector notes: Molluscan Shellfish tags did not have all of the required information. Dates of last use were lacking. Molluscan shellfish tags must be maintained for 90 days in chronological order and the date when the last shellfish was used from the bag must be noted on the shellfish tag.

3-402.12

Person in charge not present

Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection.

2-101.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Water observed dripping from a ceiling pipe in the basement into a plastic container. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Kitchen ceiling and walls 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

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Employees' clothing or other personal belongings were observed stored on a storage shelf. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and other possessions.

6-305.11

Food storage containers not labeled with contents

Inspector notes: Working containers of 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: Food observed stored on a shelf less than 6 inches above the floor in the basement storage area. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Scoops observed stored in containers of dry ingredients with the handles in the produce. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.

3-304.12

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the wire rack in kitchen have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Jan 10, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Metal shaker cup, and a cup of ice were observed in the ice bin at the bar used for beverages. Ice used as a coolant is prohibited from use in beverages. Ice was disposed of.

3-303.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the ice machine were observed with an accumulation of soil residue and biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized. Ice was disposed of, and bagged ice will be used.

4-601.11(A)

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the bar refrigeration unit. 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.

4-204.112

Food contaminated by miscellaneous source (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Metal cup observed being used as an ice scoop at the bar.

3-307.11

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 bar and front service counter areas.

4-903.11(A)

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The shared dumpster area has an accumulation of trash, boxes, litter, leaf litter, and debris. There is an accumulation of grease beneath/around the oil recycling bin. Dumpster areas must be maintained clean.

5-501.115

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The oil recycling receptacle has an accumulation of grease and debris. The oil recycling receptacle must be cleaned or replaced.

5-501.110

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Wara Wara last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Wara Wara on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Wara Wara?

Across the inspection record, required records available has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Wara Wara.

How does Wara Wara compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Wara Wara most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Wara Wara's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Wara Wara have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about seven per visit to around nine more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Wara Wara 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 Wara Wara inspected?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Hope Street Pizza

770-772 Hope Street

Score: 55 — Medium Risk

Blackstone Oyster Bar

762 Hope Street

Score: 86 — Low Risk

Ivy Tavern

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in Providence → Japanese / Sushi restaurants in Rhode Island → Japanese / Sushi restaurants in Providence