PESTO CAFE & GRILL
16323 SW 88 ST, Miami FL 33196
Last inspected Mar 17, 2026 · 7 visits since December 2023
MAR 24
DEC 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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 handout to manager.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 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.
0 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine sanitizer test strip expired 10/2025.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink next to ice machine.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves with rust at walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with dust inside kitchen area.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal phones on top of prep table next to ice machine.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid missing from ice machine located at prep area.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy of last inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves with rust at drain equipment storages rack located on top of three compartment sink.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled shelves with debris inside walk in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Observed diced tomatoes in a bowl at walk in cooler not covered.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed an unlabeled container of cabbage salad, hummus, and babaganoush inside the walk-in cooler.
Sep 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed in handwashing at cook line at coffee pot and metal container.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves at warewashing area. Observed shelves at walk in cooler rusting and pitting.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pots on shelf over three compartment sink not inverted.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee engaging in food preparation dicing onions not wearing a proper hair restraint.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and glass cups on rack over prep table wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid missing from ice machine located at prep area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of pancake mix stored on the floor at dry storage area.
Reach-in cooler /Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with debris.
Stored food not covered. Observed diced tomatoes at walk in cooler not covered.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a container of sugar on top of espresso machine at front counter not labeled.
Mar 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over turkey slices in reach in cooler under stove. Coached operator on proper separation procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Pancake Mix (69F - Cold Holding) at front counter. As per chef, it had only been out of the reach in cooler for 10 minutes. Instructed chef to place mix back in reach in cooler for rapid chill.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food containers of flour soiled on shelf near three compartment sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vent soiled with dust in walk in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee engaged in food preparation while wearing a watch.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups wet nesting on shelf at kitchen entrance.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed lid of ice machine broken.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled with food debris at front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven handle at front counter.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths stored on preparation tables throughout establishment.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottle of oil stored on stove unlabeled. Also observed sugar in plastic container unlabeled.
Dec 12, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican patty in warmer at front counter 112F. Operator stated the pastry's were there less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Operator turned heat up in machine.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on shelves on drying rack of dishes.
Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of pickled stored on floor in back of kitchen. Operator moved to shelf for proper protection.
Dec 11, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in cooler hashbrown (45-50F - Cooling). As per operator, hashbrown were heat treated and placed in walk in cooler day prior to inspection.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Observed probe thermometer soiled.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs with ambient temperature greater than 45F. As per operator, eggs have been on line less than 1 hour prior to inspection. Operator placed eggs in reach in cooler for rapid chill.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk in cooler hashbrown (45-50F - Cooling). As per operator, hashbrown were heat treated and placed in walk in cooler day prior to inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican patty in warmer at front counter 112F. Operator stated the pastry's were there less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Operator turned heat up in machine.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed Lox cream cheese with smoked salmon not identified on menu. Oberseved manager mark salmon on menu either asterisk to identify raw item.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on shelves on drying rack of dishes.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed spinach pies in freezer with no label or date mark.
Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of pickled stored on floor in back of kitchen. Operator moved to shelf for proper protection.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored inside bucket, not allowed to air dry.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bucket of sugar not labeled underneath prep table in back of kitchen.
Mar 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Observed employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands at front counter hand washing sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cut lettuce (50F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding) at front counter. As per operator, less than 3 hours. Operator placed products in ice for rapid cooling.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed containers of lentils not labeled in the walk in cooler. As per employee cooked yesterday morning.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed bottle of degreaser and chlorine not labeled located next to the 3 compartment sink.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone over cutting board at front counter.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed hot box used for empanadas in disrepair. As per operator, equipment is broken and not being used.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk-in freezer gaskets soiled.
Observed cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at front counter.
Observed silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up at warewashing area
Observed wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry near mop sink.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at walk-in freezer.
Dec 19, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed rice(9:35) (100F - Cooling); rice (10:20) (90F - Cooling) the product decrease 10 degrees in 45 minutes. Manager moved the container with rice to walk in cooler.
Hot time/temperature control for safety food received at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaican empanadas (74F - Hot Holding), chicken empanadas (70F - hot holding) in the hot box wt the front line. As per manager was cooked 2hrs ago. Manager removed it to reheat.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored and raw chicken over cut ham and hashed brown located in the reach in cooler at the cook line. Manager was informed on the proper method of storing products.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored in the front line. Manager removed it and placed in the reach in cooler from rapid cooling.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Triple Sink (Chlorine +200ppm). Manager corrected it and sanitizer went down to 100ppm.
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 handout to manager.
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 the handout to manager, and he had employees on site signed.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed containers with chicken soup, lentils and hash browns not labeled in the walk in cooler. As per manager cooked yesterday morning.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed degreaser not labeled located next to the 3 compartment sink.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 5 knives in preparation table located at the front counter and 3 knives between the wall and pipe of 3 compartment sink.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 tongs stored in oven door at the front counter. Manager removed tongs.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in men's restrooms.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filter soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers, observed in walk in cooler.
Open dumpster lid.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in walk in freezer.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed in preparation area at the front counter.
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.