Candelari's Pizzaria

2617 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
Pizza
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
39
Score
High Risk

Public records show six inspections at Candelari's Pizzaria stretching back to 2023. On Apr 23, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 10 violations per visit lately, up from roughly seven violations before.

Looking across the full record, “cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Complaint (003)
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
Fish not frozen to destroy parasites
3-402.11(A)
Backflow prevention air gap not adequate
5-202.13
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
6-301.12(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
3-501.17(A)
No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
6-301.11
Handwashing sign not posted
6-301.14
All food employees, except for the certified food protection manager, shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 30 days of employment.
TAC-228.31(d)
Outer openings not protected against pests
6-202.15(A)
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)
4-903.11(B)
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)
4-903.11(A)
Physical facilities not in good repair
6-501.11
In a consumer area, wall and ceiling surfaces and decorative items and attachments that are provided for ambiance need not meet this requirement if they are kept clean
6-201.17(B)
39
Jan 6, 2026
Routine Inspection (001)
8 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Labeling of materials. working containers used for storing poisonous / toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies not clearly / individually identified with the common name of the material. (corrected on site)
20-21.27(b)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
Special requirements. fish. records, creation and retention. when raw, raw-marinated, partially cooked, or marinated-partially cooked fish are served or sold in ready to eat form, and when the fish are raised and fed as specified in section 20-21.01(b)(08), a written agreement or statement from the supplier or aquaculturist stipulating that the fish were raised and fed as specified in item (08)a[04] of this subsection not obtained / not retained in the records of the food establishment for 90 calendar days beyond the time of service or sale of the fish by the person in charge. (corrected on site)
20-21.01(b)(08)b[03]
Refrigerated storage. refrigeration facilities. the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of the mechanically refrigerated unit and designed to be easily readable.
20-21.03(b)(01)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(06)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Dispensing utensils not stored in water at least 135°f (57°c) / water container is not cleaned as often as necessary. (corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)(04)
67
May 7, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
Refrigerated storage. cold storage of foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (5°c) in cold storage.
20-21.03(b)(09)
Hair restraint. while handling food or utensils, food employees not wearing effective hair restraints and clothing that covers body hair to prevent the contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint means any cap / hat / hair net made of fabric / cord / plastic / paper that effectively covers and holds hair in place. the use of effective hair restraints also applies to any exposed scalp or facial hair where there is the potential for contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint shall also be used in the partial or complete absence of scalp hair to preclude touching of the scalp and returning to food handling without hand-washing. facial hair restraints are not be required when facial hair is well-groomed and trimmed. (corrected on site)
20-21.08(f)
Cleaning frequency. food-contact surfaces of grills, griddles, and similar cooking devices and the cavities and door seals of microwave ovens not cleaned at least once a day; except that this shall not apply to hot oil cooking and hot oil filtering equipment if it is cleaned as specified in subsection (f) of this section. the food-contact surfaces of all cooking equipment shall be kept free of crusted grease deposits and other accumulated soil. (corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(06)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
Hand-washing signage. sign / icon / poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands not provided at all hand-washing sinks used by food employees / not clearly visible to food employees.
20-21.19(g)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
61
Oct 23, 2024
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be maintained in good repair.
20-21.22(a)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
78
Apr 23, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
Special requirements. fish. freezing of fish, parasite destruction. raw, raw-marinated, partially cooked, or marinated-partially cooked fish other than molluscan shellfish that are intended for consumption in their raw form not frozen as specified under section 20-21.03(b)(08) of this code before service or sale in ready to eat form. this subsection does not apply to [01] molluscan shellfish. [02] scallop product consisting only of the shucked adductor muscle. [03] tuna of the species thunnus alalunga, thunnus albacares (yellowfin tuna), thunnus atlanticus, thunnus maccoyii (bluefin tuna, southern), thunnus obesus (bigeye tuna), or thunnus thynnus (bluefin tuna, northern). [04] aquacultured fish, such as but not limited to salmon, carp, channel catfish, trout, and tilapia, that if raised in open water, are raised in net-pens; or are raised in land-based operations such as ponds or tanks and are fed formulated feed such as pellets that contain no live parasites infective to the aquacultured fish. [05] fish eggs that have been removed from the skein and rinsed as specified in tfer 228.72(a)(02).
20-21.01(b)(08)a
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Hand-washing signage. sign / icon / poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands not provided at all hand-washing sinks used by food employees / not clearly visible to food employees.
20-21.19(g)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be kept clean.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within not conspicuously posted at every entrance to a public place.
21-244(b)
61
Dec 23, 2023
Routine Inspection (001)
5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use. (corrected on site)
20-21.10(a)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be maintained in good repair.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Presence and use, restrictions, conditions of use. poisonous / toxic materials unnecessary for the operation / maintenance of the establishment / cleaning and sanitization of equipment and utensils / control of insects and rodents are prohibited in the food establishment; provided, this requirement does not apply to packaged poisonous / toxic materials that are for retail sale. restricted use pesticides specified in item (03)c of this subsection shall meet the requirements specified in 40 cfr 152, subpart i, classification of pesticides. (corrected on site)
20-21.27(a)(01)
\"no smoking\" signs or the international \"no smoking\" symbol not clearly and conspicuously posted in a public place where smoking is prohibited
21-244(a)
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Candelari's Pizzaria last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Candelari's Pizzaria on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Candelari's Pizzaria?

Across the inspection record, “cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Candelari's Pizzaria.

How does Candelari's Pizzaria compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Candelari's Pizzaria most recently scored 39 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Candelari's Pizzaria's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Candelari's Pizzaria have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Candelari's Pizzaria means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Candelari's Pizzaria inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Candelari's Pizzaria is inspected around three times per year on average.