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LA CUISINE

48 SW 1ST AVE, Ocala FL 34471 · 352.433.2570

Last inspected Jan 27, 2026 · 7 visits since December 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats148
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA5202718
Grade history
APR 24
NOV 24
MAY 25
AUG 25
JAN 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 1. One fly on shelf over prep table in front of kitchen. 2. One fly flying in kitchen at kitchen entrance.
High priority/35A-02-7
Badges — 1 earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Inspection history

7 visits, newest first

Jan 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findings
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Cooked garlic stored in walk-in cooler dated 1/17. Manager stated garlic cooked on 1/25. Manager changed the date mark.
High priority/02C-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of degreaser stored above case of soda at end of cook line. Owner moved degreaser to dish area.
High priority/41-10-4/Corrected On-Site
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep counter across from cook line oven stained. Deflector plate inside of kitchen ice machine.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vent above prep counter across from cook line oven.
Basic/36-34-5
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee aprons on shelf above prep counter across from cook line oven. Manager removed aprons during inspection.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee working in kitchen prep area.
Basic/13-04-4/Repeat Violation
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lite fixture above prep counter across from cook line oven.
Basic/38-07-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk-in cooler.
Basic/23-03-4
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Ground beef being thawed in standing water in kitchen prep sink. Manager placed beef underneath running water.
Basic/06-01-5/Corrected On-Site
The state's own report →
Oct 14, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 8, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 7 high priority.

7 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Female employee picked up card from floor and placed in pocket then continued to cook without washing hands.
High priority/12A-29-4
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Male employee touched lettuce and cheese with bare hands while discussing length of time in reach in cooler.
High priority/09-01-4
Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Two flats of raw shell eggs in walk in cooler received from unlicensed farm.
High priority/01A-05-4
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler: flats of farm fresh eggs on top of cartons of pasteurized eggs. Moved during this inspection.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. 1.) Beef base prepared on 7/31, discard date 8/6. 2.) Roast beef in walk in cooler from 6/15.
High priority/01B-24-5
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In bottom of reach in make table: walnut cream 45-46F in unit overnight. Stop sale issued.
High priority/01B-02-5
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In top portion of reach in make table: roasted garlic 48F. Brie cheese 46F. Chef stated top has been open and has been getting refilled. Ice added to top of make table. Then brie cheese 41F and roasted garlic 41F. In bottom of reach in make table: walnut cream 45-46F. Stop sale issued.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1.) Interior of ice machine has black substance on deflector plate. 2.) Interior of microwave soiled with food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. 1.) Wisk and wiping cloth in hand sink on cookline. 2.) Female employee rinsed knife in hand sink.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Repeat Violation
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Establishment is vacuum sealing cooked lamb chops, raw steaks, beans, and lunch meats with no HACCP plan. Provided operator with liturature about special processes and HACCP plans.
Intermediate/03G-50-1/Warning
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Beans, ham, and turkey in walk in cooler prepared two days ago with no date mark.
Intermediate/02C-02-5/Repeat Violation
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. Reach in make table has an ambient temperature of 44F. The filter on unit is heavily soiled with dust.
Basic/14-74-7
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Green cup on shelf over prep table. Moved during this inspection.
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 1.) Bike helmet on shelf over oil. 2.) Vape on shelf over prep table. Both were moved.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Male employees in kitchen with no beard guards.
Basic/13-04-4
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. One on cookline. Employee removed.
Basic/21-04-4/Corrected On-Site
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sink on cookline.
Basic/31B-04-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1.) Exterior of reach in cooler soiled with food debris. 2.) Top of stove soiled with grease and food debris.
Basic/23-03-4
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Roll of trash bags and lighter on table over jug of oil. All were moved.
Basic/42-03-5/Corrected On-Site
Stored food not covered. 1.) Pot of beans in walk in cooler from two days ago. 2.) Sheet pan of pastry balls in reach in freezer. Both were covered during this inspection.
Basic/08B-12-5/Corrected On-Site
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler: cases of unwashed produce on shelf over soup and sauces.
Basic/08B-17-4
May 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 1. One fly on shelf over prep table in front of kitchen. 2. One fly flying in kitchen at kitchen entrance.
High priority/35A-02-7
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing degreaser stored on shelf directly beside clean pans and soda syrup boxes near cookline. Manager removed chemical from shelf during this inspection.
High priority/41-10-4/Corrected On-Site
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Jug of milk missing date mark in reach-in cooler in front of kitchen. Manager stated the milk was opened on 5/5 and added proper date mark during this inspection.
Intermediate/02C-03-5/Corrected On-Site
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bottom edge of deflector plate inside ice machine soiled with black substance.
Intermediate/22-02-4
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Plastic bag and spoon stored down inside handwash sink in back of kitchen. Manager removed items from sink during this inspection.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door of kitchen left open, two flies present in kitchen.
Basic/35B-05-4
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Several air vents and ceiling tiles soiled with dust throughout kitchen.
Basic/36-50-4
Nov 13, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored over canned crab. Chef moved can crab.
High priority/08A-05-6/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Fan stored on hand wash sink at dishwash area. Employee removed fan. Spoon in hand wash sink on prep line.
Intermediate/31A-09-4
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open cup of coffee stored on flip-top make table cooler cutting board on prep line.
Basic/12B-07-4
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone stored above prep table.
Basic/40-06-5
Apr 19, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority5 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. At the cook line, raw shell eggs above sauce and heavy cream, Manager moved and stored properly.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Reach-in cooler at the cook line and walk-in cooler, observed chicken date marked 04/07/24.
High priority/01B-24-5
Establishment preparing food using a method that has been determined by the Divisions of Hotels and Restaurants to require an approved variance from the Division. Establishment does not have an approved variance for the method observed in use during the inspection. Establishment performed vacuum packed on soft commercially Cheese. Also establishment cooked beef and pasta on site and vacuum it. Performed confit for cooked duck.
Intermediate/03G-46-1/Warning
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ For three Manager, certification expired on 01/28/2024
Intermediate/53A-03-7
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice scoop at the bar area with mold like substance on crevices, Manager cleaned.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Corrected On-Site
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Establishment performed vacuum sealed for raw beef, and raw fish.
Intermediate/03G-50-1/Warning
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Reach-in cooler at the cook line, beans no date marked, Manager dated.
Intermediate/02C-04-5/Corrected On-Site
Food stored on floor. Oil jug container on floor near back door, Manager moved off the floor.
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Dec 7, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

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

3 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in freezer raw meat stored over open package of pearl onions. Manager moved pearl onions to top shelf.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle with disinfectant hanging from middle shelf where cooking equipment is stored.
High priority/41-10-4
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed "Y" connector at mop sink with missing vacuum breaker on the non-chemical side of the "Y" connector.
High priority/29-42-4
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink in dishwash area a condensation drain line in sink drain. Manager removed drain line.
Intermediate/31A-10-4/Corrected On-Site
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle not properly labeled with identifying contents (disinfectant) in kitchen.
Intermediate/41-17-4
Covered waste receptacle not provided in employee unisex bathroom. Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in unisex bathroom in back of kitchen.
Basic/32-12-5
Establishment using sponges on cleaned and sanitized, or in-use food-contact surface. Observed establishment using sponge on in-use food-contact surface at three-compartment sink. Manager discarded sponges
Basic/21-23-4/Corrected On-Site
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic container of oil on floor. Manager placed oil on shelf
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of styrofoam cups on floor in hallway. Manager put box on shelf.
Basic/25-05-4/Corrected On-Site
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed produce ( Brussels and mushrooms ) stored over ready-to-eat food ( Potato Au Gratin, and Sauce ) in walk in cooler
Basic/08B-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not in use stored in mop sink. Manager hung mop on wringer
Basic/42-01-4/Corrected On-Site

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.