MELAO GASTRO BAR
8199 N DALE MABRY HWY, Tampa FL 33614
Last inspected Dec 11, 2025 · 9 visits since October 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
APR 24
JAN 25
MAY 25
MAY 25
DEC 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 34 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 50 live ants inside of sugar bin
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023011817 | Feb 14, 2023 | Apr 10, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Dec 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
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. Operator posted vomit clean up poster during time of inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board inside kitchen soiled.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date marking for cooked pasta and cream cheese in Walk in cooler. Operator added dates to all products during time of inspection.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 1 tank unsecured at bar area.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Bottles water stored on top of dry storage rack over microwave in front line cook. Operator removed water bottle during time of inspection.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Located in front line dry storage shelf. Operator cleaned microwave during time of inspection.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Operator posted sign during time of inspection.
Aug 11, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stored Slicer.
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.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Dry storage. Discussed it using cardboard to line shelves due to it being porous and not being able to clean/ sanitize the area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tiles missing in back storage area.
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. Multiple refrigeration units not in working order including a prep unit holding TCS foods. Stop sale Issued.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding missing in multiple areas of the kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Heavily soiled behind and under equipment, walk in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Walk in cooler
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Tables and other equipment stored outside.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed in storage room at rear of restaurant
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.squeeze bottles on cook line containing food removed from the original container not labeled with common name.
Jun 4, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stored Slicer.
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.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Dry storage. Discussed it using cardboard to line shelves due to it being porous and not being able to clean/ sanitize the area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tiles missing in back storage area.
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. Multiple refrigeration units not in working order including a prep unit holding TCS foods. Stop sale Issued.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding missing in multiple areas of the kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Heavily soiled behind and under equipment, walk in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Walk in cooler
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Tables and other equipment stored outside.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed in storage room at rear of restaurant
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.squeeze bottles on cook line containing food removed from the original container not labeled with common name.
May 30, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Prep unit- 6 porterhouse steaks 51F cold hold 2 Ribeye Steak 47F cold hold 5 strip steaks 46F cold hold 5 Raw Chicken 51F cold hold Walk in freezer- Ice cream 1/2 gal 43F
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 6 porterhouse steaks 51F cold hold 2 Ribeye Steak 47F cold hold 5 strip steaks 46F cold hold 5 Raw Chicken 51F cold hold Ice cream 1/2 gal 43F
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stored Slicer.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Discussed the importance of of having hand wash sink stocked with paper towels. Operator provided paper towels
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Consumer Advisory provided and hung by operator
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.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Dry storage. Discussed it using cardboard to line shelves due to it being porous and not being able to clean/ sanitize the area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tiles missing in back storage area.
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. Multiple refrigeration units not in working order including a prep unit holding TCS foods. Stop sale Issued.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding missing in multiple areas of the kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage over drain board of dish washer
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in refrigerator and freezer doors in poor condition.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Heavily soiled behind and under equipment, walk in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Walk in cooler
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair. Freezer not keeping food frozen, door propped open during inspection. Operator to monitor temperature. All foods presently in temperature compliance in freezer with the exception of a gallon of ice cream.
Open dumpster lid.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Tables and other equipment stored outside.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed in storage room at rear of restaurant
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.squeeze bottles on cook line containing food removed from the original container not labeled with common name.
May 13, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operating with an expired license.
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. Interior of soda gun in bar area soiled.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at Employee handwash sink adjacent to kitchen entrance. No paper towels at bar area Employee handwash sink. Employee provided paper towels during time of inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at Employee handwash sink adjacent to three compartment sink. No soap at bar area Employee handwash sink. Employee provided soap during 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 in Reach in cooler not date marked.
Food stored on floor. Container of shortening stored on floor of pantry room.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled with food debris. Located on shelf adjacent to three compartment sink.
Stored food not covered. Butter and raw skirt steak in Walk in cooler not covered. Employee covered all items during time of inspection.
Jan 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed raw shell eggs stored over bottled beer in walk in cooler at time of inspection. Operator removed beer to bar during inspection
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed vegetables in walk in cooler at time of inspection. Operator moved chicken to lower shelf
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sinks in kitchen at time of inspection. Operator re filled dispensers during inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink next to dish room at time of inspection
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of raw chicken stored on floor inside walk in freezer at time of inspection.
Apr 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over yuca inside the side by side stainless steel reach in cooler in the back prep area. Yuca was relocated.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Located in the kitchen. The manager replaced the soap.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Next to the walk in cooler/ dishwasher area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives between reach in coolers. Knives were removed to be washed, rinsed and sanitized.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed. Back door opened no screen door to outer opening. Left open. Manager closed the door.
Oct 4, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Tested at 0 ppm remade to 100 ppm
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter 80 f
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Mash potatoes made Sunday not dated Walk in cooler cook pork and flan not dated
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Walk in beer cooler.
Oct 3, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Tested at 0 ppm remade to 100 ppm
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 50 live ants inside of sugar bin
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Bin of sugar has ants inside the bin touching the sugar 60 lbs of sugar.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter 80 f
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.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Blocked with red bucket in sink at bar area.
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. Manager signed and some employees Signed.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Mash potatoes made Sunday not dated Walk in cooler cook pork and flan not dated
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand washing sink by kitchen entrance.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Walk in beer cooler.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Avocados and carrots in box walk in cooler over washed peppers. Employee removed to proper storage
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.