Nara Cafe

3002 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77063
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Dec 12, 2025
82
Score
Low Risk

Public records show seven inspections at Nara Cafe stretching back to 2024. Nara Cafe was last inspected on Dec 12, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 14 violations to closer to four violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed”, showing up two times.

Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 12, 2025
Complaint (003)
4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers.. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(01)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
82
Feb 11, 2025
Complaint (003)
2 minor violations.
View 2 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.
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)
90
Feb 7, 2025
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
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)
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 kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
Person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed to request a person known to be smoking to extinguish the burning tobacco product.
21-247(b)
78
Dec 10, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
14 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
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)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink used for purpose other than hand-washing as specified in section 20-21.08(b) of this code. (corrected on site)
20-21.19(a)
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food.
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)
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.
20-21.10(a)
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)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles used more than once.
20-21.14(c)(04)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
Person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed to request a person known to be smoking to extinguish the burning tobacco product.
21-247(b)
50
Nov 26, 2024
Reinspection (002)
11 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food.
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers.. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(01)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)
Temperature measuring device, food. food temperature measuring devices accurate to ±02°f in the intended range of use not provided / not used to assure attainment and maintenance of proper internal cooking, holding, or refrigeration temperatures of all time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food if the thermometers are scaled only in fahrenheit. if the thermometers are scaled in celsius or dually scaled, they shall be accurate to ±01°c in the intended range of use. a temperature measuring device with a suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses not provided / not readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature in thin foods, such as meat patties and fish fillets.
20-21.04(i)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
20-21.05(f)
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.
20-21.10(a)
Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for wiping food spills on kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not clean / not rinsed frequently in one of the sanitizing solutions permitted in section 20-21.12(e)(02) through (06) of this code / used for no other purpose. these cloths shall be stored in the sanitizing solution between uses.
20-21.11(c)(02)
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)
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.28(a)(01)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
58
Aug 20, 2024
Reinspection (002)
16 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 16 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)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) / ready to eat food opened / prepared / packaged and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours not clearly marked to indicate “time food is opened / prepared” and “disposition date”.
20-21.03(b)(10)b
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(01)
Refrigerated storage. rapid cooling temperatures. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods, prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature, not cooled to 41°f (5°c) within 4 hours. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(02)b
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
20-21.05(f)
Materials; general. sponges. sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces.
20-21.10(a)(07)
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.
20-21.10(a)
Hand-washing sink maintenance. hand-washing sink / soap dispenser / hand-drying device/ related fixtures not kept clean / not in good repair.
20-21.19(d)
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)
Construction. walls, including nonsupporting partitions / wall coverings / ceilings, of walk-in refrigerating units / food preparation areas / food storage areas / food display areas / equipment-washing areas / utensil-washing areas not light-colored / smooth / nonabsorbent / easily cleanable except for ceilings over areas used only for beverage preparation and/or service. concrete or pumice blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be finished and sealed to provide an easily cleanable surface except in dry storage areas.
20-21.23(b)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
General. at least 50 foot-candles (540 lux) of light not provided at a surface where a food employee may be working with food / with utensils / with equipment such as knives / slicers / grinders / saws where employee safety is a factor. (corrected on site)
20-21.24(a)
45
Mar 12, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
8 minor violations.
View 8 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)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
20-21.05(f)
Materials; general. sponges. sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces.
20-21.10(a)(07)
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.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
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)
67

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nara Cafe last inspected?

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

What is the most common violation at Nara Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Nara Cafe.

How does Nara Cafe compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Nara Cafe most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Nara Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Nara Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Nara Cafe 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 Nara Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Nara Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.