KAWA JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI
8631 LITTLE RD, New Port Richey FL 34654 · 727-841-6988
Last inspected Jun 5, 2026 · 15 visits since December 2023
FEB 25
MAR 25
MAY 25
MAR 26
JUN 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 17 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately - 12 rodent droppings In liquor cabinet on shelves 30 under dry storage shelf in back hallway 3 on top of bucket of soy sauce 8 under shelf by ice machine 2 on floor in sushi bar 10 under reach in cooler on cook line 15 under wok table
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $2,400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025047982 | Mar 3, 2025 | Jul 30, 2025 | $800 |
| 3--2025009514 | Feb 11, 2025 | Jun 9, 2025 | $800 |
| 3--2025005891 | Dec 10, 2024 | Mar 13, 2025 | $400 |
| 3--2019050519 | Jun 28, 2019 | Oct 21, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
Jun 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 14 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shrimp over vegetables in deli cooler, staff removed
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Raw tuna in commercially processed vacuum packaging in walk in cooler not removed prior to thawing
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. Sushi Rice at bar.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pot in hand sink on cook line
Show the remaining 10 findings ▾
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Manager unable to locate written procedures
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic bowl in yum yum sauce in bin in walk in cooler
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. Raw tuna in commercially processed vacuum packaging in walk in cooler not removed prior to thawing
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in 82F water cup
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand sink on cook line
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Beer cooler behind bar
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed bok choy over cooked noodles in walk in cooler
Utensils in poor condition. Knife handle repaired with duct tape on hibachi serving cart
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Mar 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The operator replaced with new water.
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. The handwash sink on the right side of the cook line has no paper towels.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided the operator with the DBPR Form HR 5022-090. The operator filled out the form.
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. Kimi expired 5/1/25, Sergio expired 4/20/25, Tyler expired 5/1/25, Payi Ye. expired 4/26/2025, Muhammad S. expired 4/20/2025. FRLA.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 1 bottle not labeled by the bar area on the waiter cart. The operator labeled the bottle.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Several glass cups wet nesting by the soda machine area. The operator moved the wet cups to the dishwasher area for rewashing.
Food stored on floor. Frying oil box and soy sauce bucket on the floor. Several boxes in the walk in freezer on the floor. The operator moved items off the floor in the kitchen area and in the walk in freezer.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of the grease/food debris. The operator cleaned the interior of the microwave.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In the women's bathroom. The operator posted the sign.
May 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. In reach in cooler under onions, paper towel, operator removed towel In reach in cooler at sushi station - salmon wrapped in paper towels, discussed with manager on duty
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Ahi tuna in walk in cooler, package states to remove before thawing, two 4.5 pkgs
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. Sushi rice in sushi bar has no time mark, prepped at 11 am, will be discarded at 3.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Wine chiller in hand wash sink in bar, operator removed
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. Ahi tuna in walk in cooler, package states to remove before thawing, two 4.5 pkgs
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler - unwashed mushrooms over cooked lo mein noodles
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. On prep table on cook line, moved to bucket
Mar 4, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting boards at lift top cooler
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. In ladies room in left side of vanity
Mar 4, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately - 9 rodent droppings on floor under storage shelf in 19 on same shelf next to buckets of sauce 25 under hibachi table in unused dining room 2 on floor in north dining room 10 on floor around bar 1 on bench at table by bar 1 on ledge by table by bar 5 on floor in bar 6 unspder shelf in sushi bar 18 under glass door cooler on cook line 5 under wok table on cook line 10 on floor in liquor storage room Chewed candy wrappers and other paper on floor in liquor room. Orange with teeth marks under cooler in bar
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting boards at lift top cooler
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. In ladies room in left side of vanity
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Cypress Wood bowl used for sushi rice, discussed options with operator
Mar 3, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 6 violations recorded, 1 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately - 9 rodent droppings on floor under storage shelf in 19 on same shelf next to buckets of sauce 25 under hibachi table in unused dining room 2 on floor in north dining room 10 on floor around bar 1 on bench at table by bar 1 on ledge by table by bar 5 on floor in bar 6 unspder shelf in sushi bar 18 under glass door cooler on cook line 5 under wok table on cook line 10 on floor in liquor storage room Chewed candy wrappers and other paper on floor in liquor room. Orange with teeth marks under cooler in bar
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting boards at lift top cooler
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. In ladies room in left side of vanity
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Cypress Wood bowl used for sushi rice, discussed options with operator
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Glass door cooler at end of cook line.
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Mop sink has standing water, floor drain in dish room gas standing water to top of drain plumber has been called
Feb 11, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, stained White board at lift top
Feb 11, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 6 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately - 12 rodent droppings In liquor cabinet on shelves 30 under dry storage shelf in back hallway 3 on top of bucket of soy sauce 8 under shelf by ice machine 2 on floor in sushi bar 10 under reach in cooler on cook line 15 under wok table
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine by dish room, water dripping from black / pink mold like substance onto ice, s
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, stained White board at lift top
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine by dish room, water dripping from black / pink mold like substance onto ice, see stop sale Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Vertical glass door cooler on end of cook line
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Yellow cutting board
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice machine in kitchen, operator removed
Dec 11, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 11, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Appropriately 8 rodent droppings under wok table on cook line 4 rodent droppings under glass door cooler on cook line 4 rodent droppings on floor on cook line by prep table across from wok 5 rodent droppings under hand wash sink on cook line by walk in freezer 4 rodent droppings under ice machine in kitchen 10 rodent droppings under bag in box soda in kitchen 18 on shelf on liquor closet 20 on floor under dry storage shelf in back room 7 under shelf in sushi bar 20 on floor by 2 door cooler in sushi bar 6 in empty space between glass door cooler and cabinet in bar 14 along wall of room used for employee storage, under chairs
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler in sushi bar milk (48F - Cold Holding), see stop sale
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in dish room, moved to dining room
Dec 10, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 4 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Appropriately 8 rodent droppings under wok table on cook line 4 rodent droppings under glass door cooler on cook line 4 rodent droppings on floor on cook line by prep table across from wok 5 rodent droppings under hand wash sink on cook line by walk in freezer 4 rodent droppings under ice machine in kitchen 10 rodent droppings under bag in box soda in kitchen 18 on shelf on liquor closet 20 on floor under dry storage shelf in back room 7 under shelf in sushi bar 20 on floor by 2 door cooler in sushi bar 6 in empty space between glass door cooler and cabinet in bar 14 along wall of room used for employee storage, under chairs
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. milk (48F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler in sushi bar milk (48F - Cold Holding), see stop sale
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in dish room, moved to dining room
Dec 4, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. In employee bathroom
Nov 21, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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. 0 ppm, primed machine, still 0 ppm.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler, cooked broccoli (49F - Cold Holding)made approximately 3 hours ago, above fill line in cooler, operator discarded
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at lift top cooler on cook line
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Trash can in front of of sink on end of cook line, operator moved Hand wash sink in dish room blocked by large dish rack.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Ice in hand wash sink in bar
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In kitchen by glass door cooler
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Employee bathroom, toilet not working, odor in room, to go items and tools stored in bathroom
Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. In employee bathroom
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Glass door cooler on end of cook line
Single-service articles stored in toilet room/locker room/garbage room/mechanical room. Soufflé cops and to go boxes in bathroom by kitchen. Removed
Apr 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In walk in cooler - raw chicken over bag of onions, operator moved chicken to bottom shelf
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at 3 door cooler on cook line
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. In dish room, wire shelving unit and dish racks in front of sink, silicone gloves in sink. Operator removed gloves, moved racks
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On cook line and a beverage station, moved to bottom shelf.
Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce on cook line, moved to shelf Buckets on floor in walk in cooler, moved to shelf
Dec 4, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed carrots in walk-in cooler. Operator moved and stored correctly.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed shelf stored in front of handwash sink in warewashing room to the right of the dishmachine. Operator moved.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine on white bar/guard in kitchen.
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 loins in walk-in cooler defrosted still sealed in original package.
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.