ART GARDEN CAFE
390 NOKOMIS AVE, Venice FL 34285 · 941-786-9023
Last inspected May 19, 2026 · 9 visits since October 2023
JAN 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $300
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025038533 | Apr 16, 2025 | Jun 18, 2025 | $300 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 19, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. Observed mop sink blocked by equipment, operator stated mop water is dumped out the back door to parking lot and dirt area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs in reach-in cooler over containers of salad dressing in reach-in cooler. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle in storage closet hanging on shelf over single service cups and lids.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Maria Laura has been employed for more then 60 day and has not completed Food Handler Training.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked shrimp, sauces and cooked vegetables in reach-in cooler Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior, and then proceeded to date items properly to meet standards of inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverages on prep tables in kitchen.
Dec 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed open packages of cheese and smoked salmon in reach-in cooler employee stated the commercial items listed above had been opened more than 24 hours prior, then proceeded to date items properly to meet standards of inspection.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Gave operator copy of Employee health agreement. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken and shrimp in reach-in cooler Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior, and then proceeded to date items properly to meet standards of inspection.
Apr 16, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Feb 10, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed shell eggs over sauces in reach-in-cooler. Cook moved eggs to lower shelf.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of Windex over packages of tea. Repeat 9-16-24
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Employee beverage containers on on shelves over food preparation table and clean equipment/utensils.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed soup ladle in 91F water at cooks line. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Sep 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottles hanging on rack over single serving plastic cups. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled chemical spray bottles hanging on rack in storage room.
Jan 25, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed ham, corned beef, mortadella and assorted cheeses that was commercially packaged has been open more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked.
Jan 24, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine sanitizer bat 000 parts per million. Observed operator attempt multi times to test and run dishwasher machine with out getting prop sanitizer levels. Establishment does not have a 3 compartment sink for wash, rinse and sanitizing. Establishment has a household size 2 compartment sink.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed ham, corned beef, mortadella and assorted cheeses that was commercially packaged has been open more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed operator has blank copies of Employee Health Agreement but no signed copies.
Jan 16, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 14 violations recorded, 7 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
7 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed tube of first aid cream on shelf over make table by microwave. Observed employee remove medication.
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine sanitizer bat 000 parts per million. Observed operator attempt multi times to test and run dishwasher machine with out getting prop sanitizer levels. Establishment does not have a 3 compartment sink for wash, rinse and sanitizing. Establishment has a household size 2 compartment sink.
Employee dried hands on soiled towel after washing.
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch hair and face while engaged in food prep.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching dirty clothing without washing hand or changing gloves.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observe raw chicken over cooked shrimp and cut vegetables. Ob reference OK we don't want chemical or medicine over served employee chicken to lower shelf for proper storage.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed ham, corned beef, mortadella and assorted cheeses that was commercially packaged has been open more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed operator has blank copies of Employee Health Agreement but no signed copies.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees preparing food with restrained hair.
Oct 16, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Repeat 3-24-23. Email operater Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events DBPR HR 5030-104
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Repeat3-24-23. Email operater Employee Health Agreement.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage on rack over clean silverware. Observed employee move beverage for proper storage.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.