BENIHANA KEY WEST
3591 S ROOSEVELT BLVD, Key West FL 33040 · 305.294.6400
Last inspected Jun 17, 2026 · 6 visits since September 2023
JUN 24
APR 25
JUL 25
APR 26
JUN 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 10 pieces of raw tuna thawed in unopened packages in the walk-in cooler
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2021045158 | Aug 17, 2021 | Nov 9, 2021 | $160 |
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Jun 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Cooked noodles dated 6/10 in walk-in cooler discarded by chef
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 10 pieces of raw tuna thawed in unopened packages in the walk-in cooler
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. 10 pieces of raw tuna thawed in unopened packages in the walk-in cooler
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. ice scoop was washed
Apr 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, throughout the restaurant.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw salmon and raw Tuna commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. During the inspection operator removed fish from packaging.
Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues, located at cooking line.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jul 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw tuna over sauces in the walk in cooler.
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed by the ice machine.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna still in the vacuum with an internal temperature of 35°F. The owner opened the bags remove the fish.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed two baseboard tiles missing on the wall under the dish machine.
Apr 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee drink in the reach in cooler, operator removed.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of chicken breast stored on the floor in the walk in freezer. Operator stored properly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan covers with accumulation of dust.
Jun 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open Red Bull can on food prep in the kitchen. Chef discarded it immediately.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken plastic container used to stored lettuce.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet towels under cutting boards in the kitchen. Chef removed all of them.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed mold like substance on reach in freezer located at the salad and soup prep area. Chef sent an employee to clean it up immediately.
Sep 28, 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 ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun in bar area.
Food stored on floor. Case of lettuce stored on walk-in cooler floor. Manager placed lettuce on shelf.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach-in cooler in hallway to kitchen.
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.