PICCOLA ITALIA RESTAURANT
37502 W SR 54, Zephyrhills FL 33542 · 813-782-2856
Last inspected Aug 25, 2026 · 16 visits since December 2023
SEP 24
JUN 25
NOV 25
APR 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 32 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $2,700
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024043715 | Jul 10, 2024 | Dec 20, 2024 | $1,500 |
| 3--2024029781 | Apr 23, 2024 | Jun 24, 2024 | $800 |
| 3--2023026990 | May 2, 2023 | Jun 14, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
16 visits, newest first
Aug 25, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks stored on shelves next to clean equipment and dry storage items. Employees removed.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Inspector had to use flashlight during inspection.
Apr 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on table top in prep area stained with food debris.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. On shelves in dry storage.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. In walk in cooler.
Jun 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Ricotta cheese reach in cooler on cooks line.
Sep 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling in prep and storage area.
Sep 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 1 lives beetle was observed on the floor next to ice machine in server area. Operator removed the beetle and cleaned and sanitized the area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. eggplant Rollafini (46F - Cold Holding); cheesecake 1/2 (46F - Cold Holding); Fettuchini (47F - Cold Holding); tiramisu (47F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (46F - Cold Holding); mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (47F - Cold Holding);; ham (46F - Cold Holding); meatballs (46F - Cold Holding); chicken raw (47F - Cold Holding); shrimp raw (47F - Cold Holding); haddock raw (46F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (46F - Cold Holding); breaded chicken (46F cold hold)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. eggplant Rollafini (46F - Cold Holding); cheesecake 1/2 (46F - Cold Holding); Fettuchini (47F - Cold Holding); tiramisu (47F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (46F - Cold Holding); mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (47F - Cold Holding);; ham (46F - Cold Holding); meatballs (46F - Cold Holding); chicken raw (47F - Cold Holding); shrimp raw (47F - Cold Holding); haddock raw (46F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (46F - Cold Holding); breaded chicken (46F cold hold)
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling in prep and storage area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and behind equipment in the cook line, prep area, storage areas.
Food stored on floor. Loaf bread stored on the floor in prep room, discussed the need to store all food a minimal of 6 inches off the floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Jul 12, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 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. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Dead roaches on premises. 5 dead roaches under dish washing sink. 1 dead roach behind 2 compartment sink by bathroom. 1 dead roach under prep table by walk in cooler. 1 dead roach under oven on cooks line. 40 dead roaches on trap under prep table on cooks line. 3 dead roaches in storage area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under reach in coolers throughout cooks line. And under shelves in walk in cooler.
Jul 10, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 8 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 priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.2 live roaches on trap Under prep table on cooks line.1 live roach ontop of Togo lid under prep table on cooks line. 7 live roaches on trap under pizza oven 4 live under pizza oven a hole in wall behind the oven
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings on floor in storage room. 4 rodent droppings behind ice machine on service line for servers
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cook noodles in cooling process covered with plastic wrap employee uncovered.
Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Raid spray cans above dish washing machine.
Dead roaches on premises. 5 dead roaches under dish washing sink. 1 dead roach behind 2 compartment sink by bathroom. 1 dead roach under prep table by walk in cooler. 1 dead roach under oven on cooks line. 40 dead roaches on trap under prep table on cooks line. 3 dead roaches in storage area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under reach in coolers throughout cooks line. And under shelves in walk in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Italian sausage frozen shrimp in boxes on floor walk in freezer.
Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler marinara sauce cook noodles, lasagna. Prosciutto. Employees covered food.
Apr 26, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands.
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 food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Apr 25, 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. 5 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands.
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 food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Apr 25, 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. 5 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands.
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 food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Apr 24, 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. 6 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands.
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 food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on table while food prep is being done. One employee on pizza line and another employee cutting tomatoes. Observed employee drinks stored above wait station area reach-in cooler.
Apr 23, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 8 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
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. Observed employee put lemon on glass with tongs and use bare finger to wedge lemon on rim of glass.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 10 live roaches in a sticky trap underneath a prep table in the dry storage room and 6 live roaches in door frame to dry storage room.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 3 rodent droppings in dry storage area behind mixer and 1 rodent dropping behind storage rack off of the cook line.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee drop off clean dishes and grab plated food to serve to customer without washing hands.
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 food handler certifications expired April 10th 2024 for Jorge Z., Kimberly H., John B., and Timra B.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several ceiling tiles broken throughout establishment. Some ceiling tiles are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach in a sticky trap underneath prep table in prep area/dry storage area and 1 dead roach behind storage rack off of cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on table while food prep is being done. One employee on pizza line and another employee cutting tomatoes. Observed employee drinks stored above wait station area reach-in cooler.
Dec 6, 2023□ 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 ▾
Ceiling tile missing. In storage room above door frame, also acoustic tiles are present
Dec 4, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Jars of meat sauce in server station
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Server Station: jarred tomato and meat sauce (71F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (73F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (73F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding); jarred tomato and meat sauce (72F - Cold Holding). Stop sale issued, out since last Wednesday
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. Emailed copy to manager
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pans of lasagna not dated
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Employee restroom door left open
Ceiling tile missing. In storage room above door frame, also acoustic tiles are present
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed several cloths in walk in cooler on cut lettuce, and cooked pasta. Observed towel on bread in storage
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone on cook line
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Jars of tomato and meat sauce dont have date packaged
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. On cook line
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed purple monster can in reach in freezer
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.