EL TURCO
140 NE 39 ST UNIT 238, Miami FL 33137 · 9172094437
Last inspected Feb 27, 2026 · 9 visits since February 2024
FEB 24
JUN 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 10/01/2023.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Feb 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed green cutting board at prep area soiled.
No chlorine and quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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 employee training expired for Goktug Ilhan.
Ceiling tile missing. Above ware washing area.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Near dishwasher.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled prep area. Observed fans cover soiled inside walk in cooler.
Feb 26, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority7 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Employee prepared new solution. Operator using dishwasher for sanitizer.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 14 packages of thawed raw salmon inside Commercially processed reduced oxygen inside freezer. Employee stated he was thawing in cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw beef (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding) stored inside walk in cooler. Manager stated he received truck today morning. hummus (55F - Cold Holding); tzatziki sauce (46F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding) stored inside reach in cooler prep area. As per employee prepared today less than 2 hours. Employee put ice for rapid chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tomatoes sauce (92F - Hot Holding) at cook line, as per employee less than two hours. Employee turn on stove to reheat.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed green cutting board at prep area soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bowls stored inside hand sink kitchen. Employee removed.
No chlorine and quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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. Observed new employees Tea Kostreni, Samuel Salazar, Vanessa Almonacid hired less than 60 days. Form was provided and signed.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed by front counter. Employee provided.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed lentils base at walk in cooler not dated. As per employee prepared yesterday.
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 employee training expired for Goktug Ilhan.
Ceiling tile missing. Above ware washing area.
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 14 packages of thawed raw salmon inside Commercially processed reduced oxygen inside freezer. Employee stated he was thawing in cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an employee cup of coffee on top of prep table front counter.
Food stored on floor. Observed fries boxes stored on walk in cooler floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Near dishwasher.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled prep area. Observed fans cover soiled inside walk in cooler.
Sep 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled near microwave by prep area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not inverted by prep area. Observed containers stored in storage near three compartment sink not inverted.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor under oven. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on floor by walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer near dishwasher.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed SS bowls not inverted by prep area at kitchen.
Sep 8, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority5 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 nine packages of raw salmon thawing inside ROP at walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw salmon (46F - Cold Holding);; cooked yellow rice (47F - Cold Holding). As per employee since yesterday. Employee discarded. Observed milk (45F - Cold Holding); butter (45F - Cold Holding), as per employee received delivery less than 3 hours.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled near microwave by prep area.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a small mixer stored inside hand sink near three compartments sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of training for Halil zeyrek,Ahmet zeyrek,Ata ilhan.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed beef pastry, cheese and tomatoes pastry and baklava at front counter with time with no procedures. Discussed and Provided to manager.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not inverted by prep area. Observed containers stored in storage near three compartment sink 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 nine packages of raw salmon thawing inside ROP at walk in cooler.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in food preparation by kitchen.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed food for employees stored inside reach in cooler not segregated from customers food by prep area kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor under oven. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on floor by walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer near dishwasher.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed SS containers stored on floor by front counter.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed SS bowls not inverted by prep area at kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottle with oil not labeled at kitchen and salad station.
Mar 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing at front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen and prep area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided by email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at front counter hand sink. Observed no sign hand sink by ware washing area.
Aug 19, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave and baking oven so-called with food debris.
Jun 20, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter hot box chicken empanadas (102F - Hot Holding) and ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding). As per employee for about 3 hours. Employee began to reheat empanadas and croquettes. Observed at rice cooker, rice (125F - Hot Holding). As per employee for about 2 hours. Employee began to reheat rice.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at front counter hand sink used as dump sink for coffee utensils.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for employees, Jose Hadad and Ana Laura present at time of inspection.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line oven door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave and baking oven so-called with food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at all hand wash sinks.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at reach in coolers in kitchen soiled. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Jun 19, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed at front counter bottle water stored in drinking ice. Employee began to discard.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee at front counter clean lobby tables and dishes, then proceeded to make customers espresso. Coached employee on proper hand washing between task.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed at front counter bottle water stored in drinking ice. Employee began to discard.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at kitchen prep cooler cut lettuce (66F - Cold Holding). As per cook for about 5 hours. Employee removed to discard.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter ham and cheese croissant (84F - Cold Holding). As per employee for about 3 hours. Employee removed and placed into cooler. Observed at kitchen prep cooler cut lettuce (66F - Cold Holding). As per cook for about 5 hours. Employee removed to discard. Observed at lowboy reach in cooler burger patties (64F - Cold Holding); raw beef (61F - Cold Holding) as per cook for about 2 hours. Cook placed items onto ice to cool.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter hot box chicken empanadas (102F - Hot Holding) and ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding). As per employee for about 3 hours. Employee began to reheat empanadas and croquettes. Observed at rice cooker, rice (125F - Hot Holding). As per employee for about 2 hours. Employee began to reheat rice.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at front counter hand sink used as dump sink for coffee utensils.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for employees, Jose Hadad and Ana Laura present at time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed in kitchen plastic gallons of cooking oil stored on floor. Observed in walk in cooler container of ground beef stored on floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line oven door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave and baking oven so-called with food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at all hand wash sinks.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at reach in coolers in kitchen soiled. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed at prep table.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Feb 21, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority9 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 10/01/2023.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Display hot box at front service counter - Hot holding: chicken empanada 68-69 F, cheese croquette 89-94 F. Discussed proper hot holding temperature is 135F or above with operator. Operator set hot box to higher temperature.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. The only handwash sink in kitchen blocked by dry food storage shelves, employee states that they washed hands in three compartment sink instead. Discussed with operator about proper handwash in handwash sink.
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 by email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained on reach-in coolers in kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. The only handwash sink in kitchen blocked by dry food storage shelves. Stacked bus pans and buckets stored on handwash sink. Employee removed items from handwash and relocating storage shelves from handwash sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Alex Scolnik.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
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 by email.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Emailed operator. Operator hand wrote sign and posted at time of inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked ground beef and cooked white rice in walk-in cooler.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Food stored on floor. A pot of cooked white rice and raw chicken stored on floor in walk-in cooler. A case of canned tomato sauce stored on floor in kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign provided at all handwash sinks.
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.