EL METRO RESTAURANTE CAFETERIA
5353-5355 NW 72 AVE, Miami FL 33166 · 305.888.2830
Last inspected Mar 17, 2026 · 11 visits since July 2023
MAY 24
OCT 24
MAR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 23 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ 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--2024033648 | Mar 13, 2024 | Jan 8, 2025 | $160 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Mar 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 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. Observed roasted pork date marked more than seven days ago..
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed roasted pork date marked more than seven days ago.. Observed at cook line reach in cooler three portions of salmon thawed in original ROP packaging.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker at mop sink.
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/ Observed four employees at time of inspection without a certified food manager present.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at cook line handwashing sink no soap available. Employee provided soap.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles at prep area and front counter where food is prepared not smooth and easily cleaned.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pots on top shelf at rear storage area not inverted.
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 at cook line reach in cooler three portions of salmon thawed in original ROP packaging.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup on the floor at walk in freezer entrance.
Reach-in cooler /Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with mold like substance.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler next to handwashing sink at cook line.
Oct 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food thermometer(s) not calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled on prep table in back kitchen.
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/
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at HWS in kitchen. Operator provided soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottles with degreaser and sanitizer unlabeled in ware washing area.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler upper door handle broken by HWS in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed empanadas box stored on Walk in freezer floor. Operator removed box from floor.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoops stored in standing water at 90°F by steam table in kitchen. Operator removed water.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in cooler by HWS in kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish thawing in standing water inside kitchen. Operator removed water and stored fish inside Walk in cooler.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled under prep table in kitchen.
May 27, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
Mar 26, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
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/
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand washing station in front of cook line. Operator provided soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser unlabeled over three compartment sink. Operator labeled bottle.
Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed clean container stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed container from floor.
Food stored on floor. Observed ground beef container stored on Walk in freezer floor. Operator removed container from floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator removed tong.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on prep table in kitchen. Operator removed towel.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Dec 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Oct 23, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at front counter. Operator stored scoop correctly.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knives stored between wall and hand sink in kitchen. Operator removed knives.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator removed tong.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at 90°F on steam table in kitchen. Operator removed water.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed device installed over a dry food shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw pork and raw chicken thawing at room temperature by Walk in freezer. Operator removed food to Walk in cooler.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container under prep table in kitchen. Operator labeled container.
Jul 19, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop and spoon in standing water at 80\00BAF by steam table inside kitchen. Operator removed water.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
May 20, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw liver inside reach in cooler in front of cook line in kitchen. Operator stored products correctly.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener blade inside in back kitchen. Operator sent can opener to be washed.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink inside kitchen. Operator provided soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with degreaser not labeled inside ware washing area. Operator labeled spry bottle.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic bucket stored inside rice container in dry storage. Operator removed bucket.
Food stored on floor. Observed lentil container stored on Walk in freezer floor. Operator removed container from floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle inside kitchen. Operator removed tong.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop and spoon in standing water at 80°F by steam table inside kitchen. Operator removed water.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed the one on left silver microwave interior on shelf over reach in cooler in front of cook line in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets by hand sink inside kitchen.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in cooler in front of cook line in kitchen.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container under prep table inside kitchen. Operator labeled container.
Mar 13, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside Walk in cooler.
Jan 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking eggs and handling clean plates without changing gloves and washing hands. Inspector trained employee how to wash hands properly. Employee changed gloves and washed hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed License Expired since October 1st, 2023. Operator renewed License during inspection. Confirmation number 23739838.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener blade inside back kitchen.
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/
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with degreaser not labeled on shelf over three compartment sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed left cutting board by steam table inside kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spoons and scoop in standing water at 90°F by steam table inside kitchen. Operator removed water.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in cooler by hand wash sink inside kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken milanesa container not covered inside Walk-in cooler. Operator covered container.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside Walk in cooler.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towel on prep table inside kitchen. Operator stored towel inside bucket with sanitizer.
Jul 11, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed Front counter removed without plan reviewed and approved.
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.