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BONU TAVERNA

601 CENTRAL AVENUE, Saint Petersburg FL 33701 · 727-623-4505

Last inspected Apr 28, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats164
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA6217078
Grade history
MAR 24
JUL 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Live, small flying insects found 2 live flies observed flying over bar counter top area.
High priority/35A-02-7
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

1 case · $400

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
3--2018028446May 15, 2018Aug 17, 2018$400

Inspection history

8 visits, newest first

Apr 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority6 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findings
Live, small flying insects found 2 live flies observed flying over bar counter top area.
High priority/35A-02-7
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items stored inside reach in deli cooler near boiler equipment on cook line: pasta in portion bags (60F - Cold Holding); buttermilk (51F - Cold Holding) Observed cooked pasta in portions bags in stainless steel container with the product over the fill line. Discussed with Sou Chef. Container of butter milk is stored on top another stainless steel pan that is keeping the containers in place since the bars are missing. Product was stored in the reach in cooler 2 hours ago. Moved items into reach in freezer to bring down the temperatures rapidly. Retook temperatures at 2:22pm: pasta in portion bags (41F - Cold Holding); buttermilk (42F - Cold Holding) Discussed monitoring TCS foods in these areas of the cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Add 11:30am time stamp to pesto.
High priority/03F-02-5/Corrected On-Site
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. Emailed the person in charge Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (DBPR HR 5030-104) form during the inspection.
Intermediate/11-27-4/Corrective Action Taken
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
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/ Observed Observed expired CFM certificate for Chef Noah Sells, conducted 3/11/2021 through ServeSafe. Discussed with chef.
Intermediate/53A-03-7
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting boards stained on reach in deli cooler.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored inside handsink filling up with water. Educated employees and item was removed.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Corrected On-Site
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary test kit quaternary.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Repeat Violation
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. With green liquid stored on top of dish machine. Labeled as degreaser.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Basic/14-09-4
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored in between reach in deli cooler lids. Item moved.
Basic/10-17-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
The state's own report →
Sep 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils in 78 F water on cook line. Employee replenished utensils without water.
High priority/10-05-5/Corrected On-Site
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer in spray bottle not at proper minimum strength. Quaternary sanitizer bucket testing at 0 PPM. Employee set up chlorine sanitizer bucket that is testing at 100 PPM.
High priority/22-40-4/Corrected On-Site
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled.
Intermediate/22-02-4
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit observed.
Intermediate/16-37-1
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored in between reach in deli coolers. Item was moved.
Basic/10-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Feb 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Chicken over bacon
High priority/08A-20-5/Corrected On-Site
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef (55F - Cold Holding); Pork (52F - Cold Holding) Moved into walk in cooler
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale.
High priority/03F-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Clams/mussels/oysters tag missing required information.
Intermediate/01C-09-5/Corrected On-Site
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Basic/16-46-4
Jul 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

5 High priority8 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee coughed, sneezed, used a handkerchief or disposable tissue then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee on cook line coughed and no hand wash.
High priority/12A-14-4
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in ware washing area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly in kitchen not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
High priority/35A-02-6/Repeat Violation
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Hose bib outside rear door lacks a vacuum breaker.
High priority/29-37-4
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler near dining room: feta cheese (58F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (58F - Cold Holding) Manager moved items to reach in freezer. Temperature taken again: feta cheese (42F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (43F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (42F - Cold Holding)
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Lunch items held on time not time stamped. Employee put time stamp on items.
High priority/03F-02-5
Clam tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
Intermediate/01C-05-4/Repeat Violation
Clam tags not marked with last date served.
Intermediate/01C-03-4/Repeat Violation
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on pizza prep table has built up food debris. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink by rear door blocked by dough trays. Employee removed.
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by pizza prep station used to store utensils.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Repeat Violation
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/
Intermediate/53A-05-6
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink behind bar.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Repeat Violation
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained.
Intermediate/53B-09-4
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tanks outside rear door are not properly secured.
Basic/51-11-4
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Basic/13-03-4/Repeat Violation
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment has expanded the dining room by 44 seats.
Basic/51-09-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Mold like substance on air curtains on walk in cooler.
Basic/23-03-4
Open dumpster lid.
Basic/33-16-4/Repeat Violation
Mar 12, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

1 High priority4 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in bar area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
High priority/35A-02-6/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · 1 live fly in kitchen not landing on food or food contact surfaces. Time Extended
Clam tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
Intermediate/01C-05-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · Establishment is still in the process of marking clam tags with last date sold, holding in chronological order for 90 days, and making duplicate tags when batches are separated. Time Extended
Clam tags not marked with last date served.
Intermediate/01C-03-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · Establishment is still in the process of marking clam tags with last date sold, holding in chronological order for 90 days, and making duplicate tags when batches are separated. Time Extended
Clams tag removed from original container prior to container being emptied on cook line.
Intermediate/01C-10-4/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · Establishment is still in the process of marking clam tags with last date sold, holding in chronological order for 90 days, and making duplicate tags when batches are separated. Time Extended
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on prep table has built up food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · Can opener on prep table still has built up food debris at the time of this callback inspection report. Time Extended
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at hand wash sink between bar and kitchen area.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning/Return visit Mar 12, 2024 · Time Extended
Mar 11, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority7 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in bar area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
High priority/35A-02-6/Repeat Violation/Warning
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shelled eggs stored over raw shrimp in walk in cooler.
High priority/08A-20-5/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler on other side of the dining room: feta cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (45F - Cold Holding) Manager put items on ice.
High priority/03A-02-5/Warning
Clam tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
Intermediate/01C-05-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
Clam tags not marked with last date served.
Intermediate/01C-03-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
Clams tag removed from original container prior to container being emptied on cook line.
Intermediate/01C-10-4/Warning
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on prep table has built up food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink by pizza prep station blocked by food cart.
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Warning
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in kitchen used to wet cloth to wipe down equipment.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink behind bar. Manager restocked paper towels.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle used to scoop ice behind the bar.
Basic/14-01-5/Warning
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Basic/13-04-4/Warning
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Basic/13-03-4/Warning
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at hand wash sink between bar and kitchen area.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning
Open dumpster lid.
Basic/33-16-4/Warning
Silverware/utensils dried with a towel/cloth. Cups dried with cloth at bar area.
Basic/24-17-4/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Octopus thawing in standing water.
Basic/06-01-5/Warning
Oct 12, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. Fresh clams and mussels not kept in chronological order.
Intermediate/01C-05-4/Warning/Return visit Oct 12, 2023 · Manager is in the process of putting tags in chronological order. Time Extended
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Fresh clams and mussels not marked with last date served.
Intermediate/01C-03-4/Warning/Return visit Oct 12, 2023 · Manager is in process of marking tags with last date served. Time Extended
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sinks in bar area being used as a dump sink. Hand wash sink between bar and kitchen is now for holding plants. Manager states customers were washing their hands in that hand wash sink.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Warning/Return visit Oct 12, 2023 · Operator has contacted Plan Review about possible removal of hand wash sink used to store plants. Time Extended
Clams/mussels/oysters removed from original container for long-term storage. Fresh clams and mussels removed from original container and no tags.
Basic/01C-06-5/Warning/Return visit Oct 12, 2023 · Time Extended
Oct 11, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 4 high priority.

4 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Copper or copper alloys in contact with foods with a pH below 6. Copper mugs in bar area being used to make Moscow Mules with a pH level below 6.
High priority/14-02-4/Warning
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dish washer uses gloves and scrubs dirty dishes and removes clean dishes in dish washer without changing gloves and washing hands.
High priority/12A-13-4/Warning
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in dining room area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly in ware washing area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 2 live flies in bar area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
High priority/35A-02-6/Repeat Violation/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In kitchen on food cart: cut leafy greens (67F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes(67F - Cold Holding); mozzarella cheese (67F - Cold Holding) Manager states items are held out for lunch and then served to staff. Manager put items on Time as a Public Health Control Paperwork.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Warning
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. Fresh clams and mussels not kept in chronological order.
Intermediate/01C-05-4/Warning
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Fresh clams and mussels not marked with last date served.
Intermediate/01C-03-4/Warning
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. In walk in cooler: vegetable stock @ 2:12 (112F - Cooling) Temperature taken again at 3:15 pm vegetable stock 94 F. Manager separated into smaller portions and is using chill stick.
Intermediate/03D-15-4/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sinks in bar area being used as a dump sink. Hand wash sink between bar and kitchen is now for holding plants. Manager states customers were washing their hands in that hand wash sink.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Warning
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Manager was unable to provide Time as a Public Health Control Paperwork. Inspector emailed blank copy and Manager filled out and put cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on Time.
Intermediate/03F-10-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
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.
Intermediate/53B-13-5/Warning
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank outside back door not properly secured.
Basic/51-11-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
Clams/mussels/oysters removed from original container for long-term storage. Fresh clams and mussels removed from original container and no tags.
Basic/01C-06-5/Warning
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket in dry storage area not inverted for protection.
Basic/24-05-4/Warning
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No covered receptacle in employee restroom.
Basic/32-12-5/Warning
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Silverware in storage area between kitchen and dining room stored with food contact surfaces upright.
Basic/24-18-4/Warning
Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Covered ice machine in rear alleyway not locked during operating hours and not monitored.
Basic/08B-62-4/Warning

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.