SAFRON MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
1049 WASHINGTON AVE, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 305.397.8118
Last inspected May 11, 2026 · 10 visits since December 2023
APR 24
OCT 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
MAY 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 to employee via email.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2016023519 | May 10, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | $400 |
| 1--2015044605 | Oct 7, 2015 | Nov 6, 2015 | $800 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
May 11, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) double pan at RIC at front counter, as per cook for approximately 2 hours prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (77F - Hot Holding) at storage area hot holding, as per cook for approximately 1 hour prior.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle inside rice at front counter.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout establishment.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Sep 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) double pan at RIC at front counter, as per cook for approximately 2 hours prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (77F - Hot Holding) at storage area hot holding, as per cook for approximately 1 hour prior.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
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 to employee via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal tong inside HWS at storage area.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle inside rice at front counter.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to employee via email.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout establishment.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
Feb 11, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at front counter by reach in coolers.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles above dishwasher shows water damage.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. On ceiling tiles soiled throughout the kitchen. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the establishment.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at kitchen and at front counter.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout the reach in coolers of the establishment.
Feb 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee change gloves without washing hands. Instructed employee on proper procedures.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at front counter by reach in coolers.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at kitchen and at front counter.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food with no hair restraint.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout the reach in coolers of the establishment.
Oct 4, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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/ Observed food manager certificate for Cihangir Ugucu expired on 5-24-2024.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at front counter by reach in coolers.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles above dishwasher shows water damage.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. On ceiling tiles soiled throughout the kitchen. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the establishment.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at kitchen and at front counter.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout the establishment.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at reach in freezer at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout the reach in coolers of the establishment.
Oct 2, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed ground lamb(50F - Cold Holding); chicken (53F - Cold Holding); lamb chop (51F - Cold Holding)at reach in cooler by the front counter. As per employee since 10am.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ground lamb(50F - Cold Holding); chicken (53F - Cold Holding); lamb chop (51F - Cold Holding)at reach in cooler by the front counter. As per employee since 10am.
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/ Observed food manager certificate for Cihangir Ugucu expired on 5-24-2024.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at front counter by reach in coolers.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles above dishwasher shows water damage.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. On ceiling tiles soiled throughout the kitchen. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the establishment.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at kitchen and at front counter.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout the establishment.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed boxes with tomatoes not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor by reach in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at reach in freezer at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout the reach in coolers of the establishment.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in coolers by front counter.
Apr 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cooked beef at three glass door reach-in unit at back of kitchen.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Observed no paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near ware washing area.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at preparation area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets near preparation area in disrepair.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Observed employee with no hair restraint while engaging in preparation of raw chicken at back kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind dishmachine and reach-in freezer at preparation area soiled.
Apr 15, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at preparation area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided person in charge with choking poster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed upright reach-in cooler gasket soiled at dry storage area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind dishmachine and reach-in freezer at preparation area soiled.
Dec 27, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked Baklava (69F - Hot Holding) as per chef item has been out for approximately two hours chef will begin using time as a health control for this product.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
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 person in charge with cleanup procedures via email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink with metal container inside at preparation area. Container was removed.
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 person in charge with employee reporting agreements, staff started signing it during inspection.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan for cooked baklava at front counter. Printed and provided chef with written procedures.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at preparation area.
Cosmetics/toiletries stored with food, clean equipment and utensils, clean linens or single-service items. Observed staff medicine over preparation table at preparation area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on preparation table at preparation area. Chef removed phone.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided person in charge with choking poster.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in cold holding units at at preparation area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed upright reach-in cooler gasket soiled at dry storage area.
Observed ice buildup in reach-in freezer ear ovens at preparation area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind dishmachine and reach-in freezer at preparation area soiled.
Dec 27, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked grain desert (76F - Hot Holding) as per operator item has been out for approximately two hours operator will begin using time as a health control for this product. Observed lentil soup (45F - Cold Holding)as per operator this item was prepared day prior
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan for cooked grain desert at front counter
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on shelf next to clean dish ware
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer door in disrepair in storage area. Observed reach in freezer gaskets torn in preparation room
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in water with a temperature of 98F
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood vents are soiled
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.