BAVARO'S PIZZA NAPOLETANA & PASTARIA
27 FLETCHER AVE, Sarasota FL 34237 · 732-239-7273
Last inspected May 7, 2026 · 12 visits since October 2023
JUL 24
NOV 24
AUG 25
OCT 25
MAY 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 3 small flying insects, 2 of which were by the back exit door that was left open and one was by the open air bar. Did not observe any contact with food.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
May 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee washed hands with cold water. Observed an employee wash their hands with cold water. Reviewed with the employee the importance of hot water.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the kitchen and bar counter respectively: Arugula (50F - Cold Holding); Cheese olives (60F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 1hr. Operator placed them in reach in coolers.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the manager filling a pot in the hand sink. Reviewed with him the sinks proper purpose.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the bar sink. Operator grabbed some napkins to use there.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed the manager preparing food with a bracelet on. Operator removed his bracelet.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple utensils in 86F standing water on the cook line. Operator emptied the water.
Oct 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of ibuprofen stored above food products in the back prep area. Operator removed it.
Employee used tobacco, ate, or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed multiple chemical spray bottles stored over salt and pepper in the upstairs storage area.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed the manager prepping food with a bracelet on. He removed his bracelet.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple utensils in standing 88F water on the cook line. Operator removed them.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed multiple clean dishes with old labels stuck to them.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the self closing device on the back door broken.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on multiple shelves in the walk in cooler.
Aug 27, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 19, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of hand sanitizer stored above clean dishes in the back. Operator removed it.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the kitchen: Butter (64F - Cold Holding); Heavy cream (45F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had the heavy whipping cream out for about 30 minutes to make drinks and the butter was out for approximately 1hr. Operator placed the butter in a reach in cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed their back ice scoop hand sink disconnected.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed their hand sinks used to fill containers and dump water. Reviewed proper procedure with the operator.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observe no test kit for their dish machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris build up on top of their dish machine.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed an employee wearing a watch while preparing food. Operator had them remove it.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use utensils stored in 88F degree standing water on the cook line.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on their walk in cooler shelves.
Jan 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their chlorine dish machine.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the left side walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Nov 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray bottle, and soap container, and bleach containers, stored over food storage and food prep areas throughout the kitchen.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the cook line hand wash sink used to rinse dishes. Operator removed the dishes.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of a certified food manager.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their chlorine dish machine.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of employee training. Operator states it's in the locked upstairs office.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the pizza oven hand wash sink.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the bar ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Employee removed the handle.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at the pizza oven hand wash sink.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the left side walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Aug 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust build up on the ceiling vent outside the walk in cooler.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on the shelves in the walk in cooler.
Jul 30, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of aspirin stored over the upstairs server station. Operator removed the container.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 3 small flying insects, 2 of which were by the back exit door that was left open and one was by the open air bar. Did not observe any contact with food.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw seafood stored over ready to eat sauces in the walk in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed two chemical spray bottles stored over boxed soda in the upstairs server station and observed sharpies stored over food in the dry storage area. Operator removed the items.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the back kitchen hand wash sink with a sanitizer bucket inside. Operator removed the bucket.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan for the time marked 4hr butter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop in a container of sauce in the walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust build up on the ceiling vent outside the walk in cooler.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed an insect control device stored over clean dishes in the upstairs wine closet.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed a sanitizer bucket stored on top of a reach in cooler. Employee removed the bucket.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on the shelves in the walk in cooler.
Apr 9, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 9, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the cook line: Butter (56F - Cold Holding). Operate stated it had been out for approximately 30minutes. Operate placed butter in the reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a sanitizer bucket stored on the floor of the back bar area. Operator placed the bucket in a bucket.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of a certified food manager.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the left side kitchen hand wash sink. Operator placed more paper towels. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of employee food handler training.
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 no signed agreements. Operator printed out a copy and had his employees start to sing them.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the right side kitchen hand wash sink. Operator placed more soap.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Operator printed out there up to date license.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed multiple employee phones stored above food in the kitchen. Operator had employees removed phones.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign on the pizza prep table hand wash sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish being thawed in standing water. Operator tuned on the sink.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust build up on the walk in cooler fan covers. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Oct 25, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime buildup on the inside of the dishwasher.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed multiple grooved cutting boards throughout the kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs at the kitchen hand wash sinks.
Oct 24, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority7 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a case of advil stored above food in the dry storage area. Operator removed Advil.
Pasteurized eggs or egg products not substituted for raw shell eggs in foods such as Caesar salad, hollandaise or Bearnaise sauce, mayonnaise, eggnog, ice cream, and egg-fortified beverages. Identified foods made with raw shell eggs must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed the bar using unpasteurized shell eggs for drinks.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over alcohol and juice in the bar cooler. Operator removed eggs.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the kitchen and bar areas: Raw shell eggs (55F - Cold Holding); Cheese olives (53F - Cold Holding); Butter (75F - Cold Holding). Operator stated that the items had been out for approximately 2hrs and put them in the walk in cooler.
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Handed operator a copy.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed multiple hand wash sinks with dishes and other items inside. Operator removed items.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed bar menu with the raw shell egg not identified as raw for its drink.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips for their chlorine dishwasher or their quaternary triple sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the pizza prep hand wash sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the pizza prep hand wash sink.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed a unlabeled spray bottle containing chemicals in the back storage area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in the ice bin.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime buildup on the inside of the dishwasher.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowls being used as scoops in cases of flour. Operator removed bowls.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed multiple grooved cutting boards throughout the kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on top of food equipment. Operator removed drinks.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed multiple employee items stored above food in the dry storage area. Operator removed items.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the ice scoop handle in the ice of the outside ice machine. Operator removed scoop.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs at the kitchen hand wash sinks.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed a open employee drink in the right side reach in cooler in the kitchen. Operator removed drink.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust build up on the walk in cooler fan covers.
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.