SAHARA CAFE
1121 S TAMIAMI TRL, Sarasota FL 34236 · (941)954-1423
Last inspected Apr 9, 2026 · 8 visits since November 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
APR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 17 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over whole muscle beef in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Owner placed the ground beef below the whole muscle beef.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Apr 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over whole muscle beef in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Owner placed the ground beef below the whole muscle beef.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Container of degreaser stored next to containers of food under a preparation table in the kitchen. Owner removed the degreaser.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Strainer and knife stored in the hand wash sink next to the cook line. Owner removed the items to be sanitized.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Containers of baba ganouj stored in the display reach in cooler in the dining room with no date mark. Owner stated the Items were prepared on 4/7. Owner placed a date mark on the items.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Uncovered food stored near sink exposed to splash. Uncovered container of falafel mix stored next to the hand wash sink in the cook line area. Employee removed the items.
Jan 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw ground beef stored over unwashed tomatoes in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Employee removed the ground beef.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee filled a container with water in the hand wash sink next to the cook line. Employee dumped the water and removed the container to be sanitized.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for the sanitizer bucket and dishwasher.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Cutting boards stored next the hand wash sink in the preparation area. Employee removed the cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Counter tops next to the cook line soiled.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting lettuce before washing. Employee washed the cut and uncut lettuce.
Sep 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Feta cheese (54F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (61F - Cold Holding); Stored stacked above the pan fill line in the top section of the reach in cooler on the cook line. Employee stated the items had been stored in the reach in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Employee removed half of the content of the pans and placed it in the bottom section of the reach in cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Strainer stored in the hand wash sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the strainer.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for the dishwasher and sanitizer buckets.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels provided at the hand wash sink next to the cook line. Employee placed paper towels at the hand wash sink.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing above the cook line.
Mar 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on their apron towel after washing. The employee was informed and properly washed their hands and dried them with a paper towel.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee placed towels at the hand washing sink.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing on the light above the cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of the reach in cooler next to the cook line soiled soiled.
Dec 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 24, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw ground beef stored over ready to eat tomatoes in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Owner removed the ground beef.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Wiping cloth solution reading +200ppm chlorine. Owner replaced the sanitizer new reading 100ppm.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee rinsed a bowl in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the bowl to be sanitized.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink next to the cook line. Owner placed towels at the hand washing sink.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. All employee training expired on 4/21/24.
Mar 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw ground beef stored over unwashed tomatoes in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Employee placed the ground beef below the tomatoes.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Strainer stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the strainer.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phone, purse and key stored on a shelf under a preparation table next to food. Employees removed the items.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Uncovered falafel mixture stored next to the hand washing sink in the kitchen. Employee removed the mix.
Nov 1, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Employee dried their gloved hands with a soiled towel. Employee washed their hands and changed gloves.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Wiping cloth sanitizer solution reading +200ppm. Employee adjusted the solution new reading 100ppm.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the kitchen. Employee placed towels at the hand washing sink.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Uncovered falafel mixture stored next to the hand washing sink in the kitchen. Employee removed the mix.
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.