SAKURA GABLES JAPANESE REST
440 S DIXIE HWY, Coral Gables FL 33146 · (305)665-7020
Last inspected Feb 10, 2026 · 8 visits since August 2023
APR 24
SEP 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 12 points off where it started.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $1,450
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2005034801 | Jun 15, 2005 | Sep 22, 2021 | $1,450 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Feb 10, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 18 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed at walk in freezer, raw beef skewers stored over box of mixed vegetables.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed for sushi rice at front counter. As per operator was placed 1 hour ago. Operator placed time onto rice.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed Dorsey bottle of car polish stored on prep counter at kitchen operator removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed operator using front counter hand sink to fill sanitizer bucket.
Show the remaining 14 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed none at front counter hand sink. Operator provided.
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 at front counter reach in cooler, frozen reduced oxygen package of tuna not removed from packaging prior to thawing. Operator removed from packaging.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees open can of soda on kitchen area prep cutting board. Operator removed and discarded.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed soiled with grease and debris behind fixed equipment throughout kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed throughout kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line on oven handles. Operator removed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed at front counter in a container of tempura mix. Operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at oven soiled with grease build up.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed at cook line stove.
Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed at open kitchen exit door.
Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter reach in cooler, bowls of garden salad stored uncovered.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Walk-in cooler and freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen a front sushi area.
Sep 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed at walk in cooler tray raw chicken stored on top of box of oranges.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed at walk in freezer trays raw beef steaks stored over filets of tuna and salmon.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at kitchen prep counter California roll (81F - Cold Holding); tofu (53F - Cold Holding). As per operator for less than 1 hour. Operator placed into reach in coolers.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed at hand sink next to walk in blocked by buckets.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to walk in cooler.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to walk in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed at reach in freezer in kitchen, portioned containers of salmon roe not date marked to track freezing time.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed at kitchen microwave.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at kitchen behind fixed equipment.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed throughout kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at kitchen ice machine. Operator stored correctly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed stored on cook line oven door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at kitchen microwave.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed at cook line stove.
Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed at open kitchen exit door.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed boxes of condiment cups stored on floor at kitchen exit door.
Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter container of ginger stored uncovered. Observed at kitchen reach in cooler plates if garden salads stored uncovered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Mar 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed at walk in cooler, raw shelled eggs stored over box of broccoli.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other during preparation based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed at walk in cooler and freezer, raw chicken stored over raw salmon and tuna.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter sushi bar misago (62F - Cold Holding); krab sticks (73F - Cold Holding). As per employee for 1.5 hours for prep. Observed at kitchen prep counter tofu (71F - Cold Holding). As per employee for 3 hours. Employee placed into cooler to cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed used as dump sink with food remnants inside.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed for chlorine sanitizer.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
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 4 frozen sealed packages of ground tuna a front counter not removed from packaging to thaw.
Employee eating while preparing food. Observed for employee at front sushi station eating a piece of prepared salmon before placing g into display case.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee crack egg for fried rice dish, then proceed to fryer to cook noodle without hand wash.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed for employee at sushi station.
Food stored on floor. Observed at walk in freezer box of edamame stored on floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at oven and sink.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed ovens soiled with grease build up.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed stove soiled with food debris overflow.
Stored food not covered. Observed containers of lettuce, salads, chicken and shrimp uncovered at coolers.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Sep 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed in walk in cooler raw chicken and shelled eggs stored over containers of lettuce,carrots and onions.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter display case, raw salmon (45F - Cold Holding); as per chef for 1 hour. Operator placed on ice to rapid cool. Observed at kitchen reach in cooler, raw tuna (47F - Cold Holding); as per chef for 1 hour.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink as well as at front counter hose.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.
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 available for sushi rice at front counter. Provided operator with firm. Operator completed form during inspection. Sushi rice was already time marked.
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 at front counter, packages of tuna not removed from reduced oxygen packaging before thawing. Chef cut open during inspection.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at kitchen exit door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled behind equipment at cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in cooler, a container of cut lettuce stored on floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line, operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at cook line ovens soiled with grease build up.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Stored food not covered. Observed in walk in cooler, a container of cut lettuce not covered.
Apr 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shell eggs stored above lettuce located in the walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. standing unit,glass door:; tamago (47F - Cold Holding); cooked eel (48F - Cold Holding); krab salad (46F - Cold Holding) as per operator about 1.5hrs ago,removed to other reach in cooler for additional cooling.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at the sushi counter.
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/ Observed 6 employees present at the time of the inspection.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
Food stored on floor. Observed buckets containing soy sauce stored on the walk in cooler floor.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed for the krab salad located in the low boy reach in cooler,front counter.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Feb 8, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn and in disrepair,standing glass door unit.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in the walk-in cooler.
Nov 29, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cream cheese,vegetables located in the walk-in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored above raw beef located in the walk-in freezer.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed can of WD 40 stored above clean plates on shelves located in the kitchen.
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.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory.
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/ At the time of the inspection observed 5 employees present.
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.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed at the sushi counter.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn and in disrepair,standing glass door unit.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled,cookline.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with accumulation of grease.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for low boy unit,kitchen.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed fan covers soiled with accumulation of dust,walk-in cooler.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in the walk-in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed behind cookline.
Aug 25, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed below the cookline.
Food stored on floor. Observed box containing mixed vegetables,bananas,samurai chicken stored on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Observed buckets containing avocados stored on the walk in cooler floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of ovens soiled,cookline.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in the walk-in cooler.
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.