BENIHANA JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
1751 HOTEL PLAZA BLVD, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830 · 407-827-4865
Last inspected Feb 3, 2026 · 12 visits since December 2023
JAN 25
FEB 25
MAR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 25 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach crawling on the storage shelves underneath prep counter located near the cook line and flat grill. Notify supervisor on duty next day call back.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2025011441 | Jan 31, 2025 | Mar 17, 2025 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Feb 3, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 2, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach crawling on the storage shelves underneath prep counter located near the cook line and flat grill. Notify supervisor on duty next day call back.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed krab temperature 44°f stored inside reach in cooler less than 4 hour recommend to quick chill product located in the sushi bar.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed build up of old food debris spilled on the storage shelves underneath prep counter.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees jacket stored on the shelves on the mobile service area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed food debris on the floor near the drain board in the dish machine area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed back panel of the fryers has build up of grease located on the cook line (back kitchen).
Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Observed old food stuck inside coffee cup Located server.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed terrible accumulation of old ice cream dried on the bottom of reach in cooler.
Sep 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Checked temperature of garlic butter 53°f, whipped butter 54°f stored inside reach in cooler less than 4 hours recommend to quick chill product immediately.
Food thermometer(s) not calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications. Checked thermometer used for sushi rice, employee not able to calibrate properly.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed tray stored on top of hand wash sink located in the sushi bar. Employee removed at time of inspection
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed rusty ceiling tiles metal support bracket inside dry storage room.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board has deep cut marks on the surface used on the prep counter (cook line)
Garbage can soiled. Observed gravy and black garage cans soiled throughout the kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed door gaskets on both walk in coolers frame of the door has mold like growth on the surface. Produce and protein (walk in coolers)
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed old food debris spilled inside reach in cooler used for garlic butter and whipped butter back prep kitchen.
Mar 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet pans stacked on the storage shelve
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed Standing water on the floor tile in the kitchen
Feb 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed green cutting board used for oranges has white residue left on the surface.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed back packs and hand bags stored on the shelves near linen napkins.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee working in the sushi bar has no beard guard.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic lids stacked wet on the storage shelve underneath the prep table.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed one floor tile cracked inside walk in freezer
Jan 31, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 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. Checked dish machine three times not dispensing sanitizer for the final rinse 0 ppm chlorine, Manager notify dish machine company at time of inspection. Recommend to use 3 compartment sink wash,rinse and sanitize until dish machine repaired.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed two white cutting boards has red discoloration on the surface located in the sushi bar
Jan 22, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 3 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 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. Checked dish machine three times not dispensing sanitizer for the final rinse 0 ppm chlorine, Manager notify dish machine company at time of inspection. Recommend to use 3 compartment sink wash,rinse and sanitize until dish machine repaired.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed two white cutting boards has red discoloration on the surface located in the sushi bar
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed food debris spilled on the floor in the server area.
Oct 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Checked temperature pork dumpling 44°f stored inside walk in cooler per Manager stored less than 4 hours recommend to quick chill product.
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 gallon of milk not date marked stored inside reach in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed mixer has old food residue left on the surface
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed several employee training expired Donnelly Grandin 5/11/2021 expired 5/15/2024 server Bruce Warwick 5/14/2021 expired 5/15/2024 (cook)
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed chocolate ice cream dried spilled on walk in freezer floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed reach in freezer has an ice block on the bottom located in the sushi bar.
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. Observed no trash can provided for the hand wash sink.
Apr 22, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusty storage shelves inside walk in cooler used for produce.
Apr 19, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Hot water at three-compartment sink does not reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Checked temperature of hot water not reaching 110f at 3 compartment sink. Spoke to Manager concerning the hot water heater is not working properly part on order.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusty storage shelves inside walk in cooler used for produce.
Apr 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 2 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Hot water at three-compartment sink does not reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Checked temperature of hot water not reaching 110°f at 3 compartment sink. Spoke to Manager concerning the hot water heater is not working properly part on order.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusty storage shelves inside walk in cooler used for produce.
Dec 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained.Bruce Worswick.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Residue build up by hood suppression system. Grease build up inside fryer cabinets.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.Lids at servers station area.
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.