ROCCO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN
3561 53 AVE W, Bradenton FL 34210 · 724-630-8249
Last inspected Aug 26, 2026 · 11 visits since December 2023
MAY 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
JUN 26
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Will inspect at next routine inspection
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024021257 | Apr 10, 2024 | May 9, 2024 | $800 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 26, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 16 findingsThe state's own report →
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed house made mango salsa containing temperature sensitive ingredients not disposed of after 7 days. Operator disposed of the product willingly.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed house made mango salsa containing temperature sensitive ingredients not disposed of after 7 days. Operator disposed of the product willingly.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish not removed from its packaging before thawed. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in their left side cooler: Chicken (70F - Cold Holding); Veal (71F - Cold Holding); Fish (71F - Cold Holding); Cooked vegetables (72F - Cold Holding); Shrimp (70F - Cold Holding); Garlic in oil (70F - Cold Holding); Scallops (70F - Cold Holding); Sasuage (70F - Cold Holding); Rice (72F - Cold Holding); Chopped tomatoes (69F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they were left there overnight. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Show the remaining 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their left side cooler: Chicken (70F - Cold Holding); Veal (71F - Cold Holding); Fish (71F - Cold Holding); Cooked vegetables (72F - Cold Holding); Shrimp (70F - Cold Holding); Garlic in oil (70F - Cold Holding); Scallops (70F - Cold Holding); Sasuage (70F - Cold Holding); Rice (72F - Cold Holding); Chopped tomatoes (69F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they were left there overnight. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray bottle improperly stored on the cook line. Operator removed it.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of approved training for the employees.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black buildup inside the ice machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed the top of their dish machine with heavy rust and debris buildup.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Observed lime buildup inside the dishmachine.
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. See stop sale. Observed commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish not removed from its packaging before thawed. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed all of their cook line cutting boards heavily grooved.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed the floor under the cook line and under the walk in cooler shelves with debris buildup.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the left corner of the dish area wall damaged.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed all of their microwaves with debris buildup.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the top of their pizza oven with heavy debris buildup.
Jun 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed the following items at 82F in the left side cooler, cooler was down and all items discarded; Chicken, Veal, Tomatoes, Octopus, Ham, Cheese, Cheese Boat, Brie Cheese.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items at 82F in the left side cooler, cooler was down and all items discarded; Chicken, Veal, Tomatoes, Octopus, Ham, Cheese, Cheese Boat, Brie Cheese. Stop sale was completed.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a black mold like substance on the ice drop tray inside the ice machine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Observed a heavy build up of lime scale inside the dish machine.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed 2 C02 tanks not secured in the front kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed a missing ceiling tile in the back storeroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed a grease and debris build up under and behind the kitchen cooking equipment.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters with a grease build up.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall in dish area with black mold like substance.
Mar 31, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener with build up of food debris. Operator cleaned can opener.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed the interior of ice machine in kitchen with black mold like substance. Operator cleaned areas.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed top of dish machine with excess soil.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed serving dishes on shelf in several area not inverted. Operator was in the process of inverting dishes.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed cloth towels being used under shell eggs and on top of clams on the cook line in the four door reach-in cooler. Operator removed towels.
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 one piece of snapper on the cook line thawed it the packaging. Operator voluntarily discarded the product
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board in pizza area with groves and cut marks.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink on top shelf of 2 door reach-in cooler. Operator removed drink.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed floor through out kitchen along all walls with food debris and grease build up.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed torn and ripped foil on bottom shelves on cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall in dish area with black mold like substance.
Oct 9, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non-food grade towel under scallops. Educated employee on what can be used. Operator removed towel and replaced with parchment paper.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed quaternary wiping cloth sanitizer bucket to strong. Employee diluted quaternary sanitizer to 400ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener in food preparation area with build up of soil and food debris. Operator removed can opener for cleaning.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees coffee on food preparation table behind soup tureen on counter across from stove. Employee removed coffee.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed speaker and phone charger on shelf across from cook line next to and on a clean dish. Operator removed items and removed dish for cleaning and sanitizing.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation without a beard guard. Employee put on a beard gaurd.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed back corner under dish machine with soil and black mold like substance.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed garbage on the ground around dumpster in dumpster area. Operator had employee start leaning area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle on scoop in grated Parmesan on the cook line in pull out refrigerator drawer. Operator removed scoop.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed torn ripped foil covering shelf with pot and pans on it.
Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Observed a five gallon bucket of grease in dumpster area.
May 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed lasagna at 50F, lasagna 50F. Operator stated that items had been put in to reach-in cooler in pizza area approximately 20 minutes earlier. It was established that reach-in cooler was not cooling correctly. Operator moved items to walk-in cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in kitchen next to dish area. Operator replaced paper towels.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container being used as scoop in sugar. Operator removed container.
Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine. Observed gauge on dish machine cloudy and broken, making it unreadable.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in 2 door read-in cooler in pizza area. Operator placed thermometer in 2 door reach-in cooler.
Outdoor refuse area not curbed and graded to drain. Observed standing water in dumpster area.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed broken self closer on exit door from kitchen. Operator had self closer repaired before the end of inspection.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in 2 door reach-in cooler in pizza area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles in use, not labeled. Operator labeled squeeze bottles.
Apr 16, 2025□ 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 ▾
Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine. Observed dish machine gauge with clouded glass, making it unreadable.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open on shared dumpster. Operator closed lid.
Feb 12, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed quaternary sanitizer to strong. Operator corrected sanitizer to 200ppm.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of employees training.
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. Observed no proof that employee are informed of health reporting. Emailed copy to operator. Operator printed forms and had employees read and sign agreements.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees beverage on food prep table next to soup. Employee removed beverage.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn cracked gasket on 2 door reach in cooler in pizza area.
Food stored on floor. Observed fryer oil being stored on floor in the dry storage closet. Operator moved fryer oil to shelf.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed garbage on ground around shared dumpster. Employee was cleaning area at the time of this inspection.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in flour. Operator removed scoop.
Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine. Observed dish machine gauge with clouded glass, making it unreadable.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster. Emailed copy to operator. Operator printed and hung choking poster.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open on shared dumpster. Operator closed lid.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed exterior exit door from kitchen with broken self closer.
Jun 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed debris build up on the meat slicer.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime build up on the inside of the dish machine.
Apr 10, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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 expired all on 8/17/23: Heather c, Joseph W, Jared J.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime build up on the inside of the warewashing machine.
Apr 10, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 5 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 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings on the floor of the storage closet accords from the employee restroom. Approximately 15ft from the kitchen. Observed approximately 40 rodent droppings on the floor and shelves of the establishments dry storage/alcohol closet. Observed no rodent droppings on any food items. Approximately 5ft from the kitchen. Observed approximately 30 rodent droppings in the back water heater/soda set up area approximately 15ft from the kitchen. Operator stated that they have called Kellers and they are working on the problem. Operator is currently sweeping and mopping the areas.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed a sanitizer bucket at 300ppm chlorine. Operator emptied the bucket out and remade it to 100ppm.
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 expired all on 8/17/23: Heather c, Joseph W, Jared J.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime build up on the inside of the warewashing machine.
Employee beverage container in ice machine/ice bin. Observed a closed employee drink in the kitchen ice machine. Operator removed the drink.
Dec 6, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Will inspect at next routine inspection
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in Walk in cooler raw Seafood over cooked Meatball's Educated Person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed Person in charge a copy of the handout. Person in charge removed the seafood.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed in back kitchen area next to oven slicer soiled with dried food debris. Person in charge stated slicer was not used today. Person in charge cleaned and sanitized slicer.
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. Educated Person in charge and emailed Person in charge a copy of the handout. Person in charge printed handout,read and signed handout. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board in main kitchen area. Educated Person in charge on In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Person in charge placed cloth in sanitizer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed in main kitchen area hood filters soiled with grease.
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.