CHELSEA RESTAURANT
944 WASHINGTON AVE, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 305.534.4069
Last inspected May 4, 2026 · 10 visits since January 2024
OCT 24
FEB 25
APR 25
AUG 25
MAY 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 28 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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. Provided manager with cleanup procedures via email.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
May 4, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 19 findingsThe state's own report →
Dishmachine quaternary ammonium 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 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.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw calamari stored over cooked potatoes at reach in cooler next to fryer. Observed raw shell governing unwashed produces at walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw steaks over cooked rice at reach in cooler next to stove.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 4 pounds of chicken empanadas and 4 pounds of ropa vieja empanadas from an unapproved source.
Show the remaining 15 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed guacamole (44F - Cold Holding); cooked potato (42F - Cold Holding). Operator add ice bags on top.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled racks used for dishwasher machine.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of cooked shrimp, calamari, cooked chicken with no labels inside reach in cooler and walk in cooler. As per operator prepared less than 24 hours.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine with accumulation of black mold like.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on the top exterior of the dishwasher.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard used under steam table with clean equipment. Operator removed the cardboard.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vent soiled next to three compartment sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting boards throughout the kitchen with cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed dirty dishes inside the 3 compartments at three compartment sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn at reach in cooler located next to fryer.
Food stored on floor. Observed 5 gallon oil stored at kitchen entrance.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at chest reach in cooler located next to walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets at reach in cooler next to fryer.
Stored food not covered. Observed ice bucket not covered at bar area. Operator is working in getting new lid.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at prep table next to fryer.
Aug 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pico de gallo (46F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler cook line filled over the line, coached employee on correct procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (112F - Hot Holding); mashed potatoes (88F - Hot Holding) at steam table, as per chef for approximately 3 hours prior, advised manager to reheat product.
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/ Manager arrived 20 minutes after inspection started.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair at reach in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair at kitchen entrance.
Food stored on floor. Observed several food cases on floor at kitchen hallway.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tongs in standing water at cook line.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at office area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken, potatoes, shrimp not covered at reach in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed Observed empanadas thawing in a container with no running water. Informed employee on proper procedure.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at cook line area.
Jun 5, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 21 violations recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled at preparation area by reach in cooler.
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/
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken held more than 24 hours not properly date marked at walk in cooler.
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 certificate for Jose Suriano expired on 12/15/2024 Mario D Chirino expired on 1/10/2023.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed door handles soiled.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted at kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair at reach in cooler
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed near ice machine.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen and at walk in cooler.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed containers with shrimp, chicken and hot dogs not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor at kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed wall in disrepair by steam table.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed at kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken, potatoes, shrimp not covered at reach in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled throughout kitchen.
Apr 1, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 27 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate22 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Employee with long fingernails working with exposed food, single-service items or clean equipment and utensils.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled at preparation area by reach in cooler.
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/
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken held more than 24 hours not properly date marked at walk in cooler.
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 certificate for Jose Suriano expired on 12/15/2024 Mario D Chirino expired on 1/10/2023.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Employee removed ice.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed door handles soiled.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted at kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee eating oranges while preparing food.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair at reach in cooler
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed near ice machine.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen and at walk in cooler.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed containers with shrimp, chicken and hot dogs not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor at kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed wall in disrepair by steam table.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed at kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven soiled at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken, potatoes, shrimp not covered at reach in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed shrimp, chicken and hot dogs thawing in a container with no running water. Informed employee on proper procedure.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled throughout kitchen.
Apr 1, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen,
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Feb 19, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Water misting device not maintained/cleaned as required. Walk in cooler fan cover soiled. Gaskets throughout reach in cooler soiled.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed establishment serves eggs and steak not linked to consumer advisory.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen,
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Feb 18, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over seafood mix.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee partake in multiples task without changing gloves. Instructed employee on proper procedure.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed yellow rice (64F - Cold Holding); salmon (64F - Cold Holding); octopus (63F - Cold Holding); burgers (63F - Cold Holding); lobster (65F - Cold Holding); chicken (65F - Cold Holding); beef (68F - Cold Holding) all stored at walk in cooler held for more than 4 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yellow rice (64F - Cold Holding); salmon (64F - Cold Holding); octopus (63F - Cold Holding); burgers (63F - Cold Holding); lobster (65F - Cold Holding); chicken (65F - Cold Holding); beef (68F - Cold Holding) all stored at walk in cooler held for more than 4 hours.
Water misting device not maintained/cleaned as required. Walk in cooler fan cover soiled. Gaskets throughout reach in cooler soiled.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed establishment serves eggs and steak not linked to consumer advisory.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handsink at kitchen.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed yellow rice and vaca frita not date marked at walk in cooler.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at kitchen and at walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen,
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above preparation table at kitchen.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk in cooler temperature at 64F.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout the kitchen and walk in cooler.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed container with shrimp and burgers not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor at kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed fettuccine and yellow rice not cover at walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed shrimp, burgers, fish thawing in a container with no running water, instructed employee on proper procedure.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Oct 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 23 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority2 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked pork (70F - Cooling); cooked pork (78F - Cooling); (78F) in the walk-in cooler. As per the cook the pork was cooked last night.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs over red bell peppers in the walk-in, observed raw shrimp over peppers and onions in the walk-in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a raw shell egg over potato salad at the cook line.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked pork (70F - Cooling); cooked pork (78F - Cooling); (78F) in the walk-in cooler. As per the cook the pork was cooked last night.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed potato salad (51F - Cold Holding) in a pan on a preparation table. As per the cook it was put there approximately one hour ago. The cook put it in the walk-in cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed three dirty utensils in the hand washing sink next to the triple sink.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an open container with water on the preparation reach in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed the preparation reach in cooler gasket torn.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Food stored on floor. Observed two plastic containers one with vinegar and the other cooking oil on the floor in the kitchen.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Observed in the hotel lobby. The bar tender put it on top of the ice machine.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on the top of the ice machine.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the kitchen entrance.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the gaskets on the reach in cooler soiled. Observed the walk-in cooler fan guard and gasket soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a plastic squeeze bottle with oil not labeled.
Apr 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored over vegetables at walk-in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chciken stored over pork and beef at walk-in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed red cutting board soiled at cookline and white small cutting board soiled at bar.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed air vents soiled at warewashing area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not stored inverted at warewashing area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license posted from October 1, 2022.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cuttings boards grooved at cookline.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee mashing potatoes while wearing bracelet at cookline.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in coolers gaskets in disrepair at cookline and units at bar area.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic container of frying oil and vinegar stored on floor at cookline and box of sugar cane stored on floor at dry storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets soiled at cookline and bar area.
Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at unisex bathroom.
Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler closer to dishmachines.
Observed wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust thorough kitchen and behind three compartment sink.
Jan 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked chicken (60F - Cooling). As per chef, it was cooked the night before.
Observed spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed cooked chicken (60F - Cooling). As per chef, it was cooked the night before.
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. Provided manager with cleanup procedures via email.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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. Provided manager with employee reporting responsibilities agreements, they started signing during inspection.
Observed no paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Chef provided paper towels.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed chef not knowing how to calibrate thermometer using the cold method. Coached chef on correct procedure.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ice scoop with no handle inside ice machine.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license posted from October 1, 2023.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed speaker stored over preparation table at cook line.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in coolers gaskets in disrepair and handle to white reach-freezer refrigerator in disrepair and reach-in door in disrepair at cook line.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided manager with choking poster via email.
Observed equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting at dishwashing area.
Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at unisex bathroom.
Observed old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Observed silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up at cook line.
Observed wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust thorough 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.