SAWA
360 SAN LORENZO AVE STE# 1500, Coral Gables FL 33146 · 305-447-6555
Last inspected Mar 30, 2026 · 8 visits since December 2023
APR 24
OCT 24
APR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired dated 10/1/25.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2019047859 | Sep 18, 2019 | Feb 21, 2020 | $400 |
| 1--2018064281 | Dec 19, 2018 | Mar 26, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 14 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed at sushi station reach in cooler wiping cloth covering premade sushi rolls. Operator removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at storage area hand sink used as dump sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at storage area ice machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in containers of flour at dry storage area.
Show the remaining 10 findings ▾
Ceiling tile missing. Observed above coffee prep station.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling and vents throughout kitchen soiled.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed at waiter station between reach in coolers. Operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at oven door handle.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed throughout. Operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at both microwaves in kitchen. Operator began to clean during inspection.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at standing reach in cooler next to dish washing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at dish washing area hand sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed package of salmon filet and box of calamari on storage rack thawing at room temperature. Operator removed and placed into running water.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filters at cook line soiled with grease build up.
Oct 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired dated 10/1/25.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 packages of tuna not removed from packaging prior to thawing.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at waiters station tofu (48F - Cold Holding); tzatziki (47F - Cold Holding). As per operator for less than 3 hours. Operator removed.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine in storage area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed above coffee prep station.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout.
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 packages of tuna not removed from packaging prior to thawing.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed throughout.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at hand sink in dish area handles are missing.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout.
Food stored on floor. Observed at dry storage area plastic gallons of cooking oil and base stored on floor.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed throughout kitchen. Chef removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at standing reach in cooler next to dish washing area.
Stored food not covered. Observed at standing reach in cooler unit in kitchen for containers of tempura shrimp
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed at hand sink in dish area.
Apr 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed at cook line cooler, raw chicken, lamb and beef stored over, raw fish, shrimp and octopus. Chef removed and stored correctly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at waiter station prep cooler tofu (52F - Cold Holding); tzatziki (51F - Cold Holding). As per employee for 2 hours from prep.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at hand sinks used as dump sinks.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sinks used in coffee area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at coffee prep station.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed a wiping cloth used to cover sushi rolls in reach in cooler.
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 packages of fish not removed from seal to thaw in reach in cooler at cook line. Chef removed to open packaging.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed throughout.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil, onions and limes stored on floor in office 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 at dry storage area in a container of rice, manager removed.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at standing reach in cooler next to dish washing area.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed stored in prep table at cook line.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed at cook line, to go trays not inverted.
Oct 1, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in reach in cooler raw chicken kebabs stored over raw pork pieces. Operator removed and stored on lower shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at servers station prep cooler tofu (62F - Cold Holding); tzatziki (61F - Cold Holding). As per operator for 3 hours. Operator removed and placed in reach in freezer to cool.
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 sushi rice not time marked at prep line. As per operator sushi rice was place at 12pm to be discarded at 4pm. Operator placed time stamp.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink at servers coffee prep area used as dump sink.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed heavily soiled at entrance of kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed tile missing above coffee prep station.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed clean pots and pans stored on top of mop sink. Operator and placed to be rewashed.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed in reach in cooler in a container of premade sushi rolls to line container. Chef removed.
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 in reach in cooler frozen packages of tuna and mahi mahi not removed from packaging to thaw. Operator began cutting packages open during inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cutting boards at prep table. Operator removed and replaced with new cutting board.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed in a container of heated rice.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at cooler at rear of kitchen doors.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at bar counter.
Oct 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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 lobster stored above mixed vegetables,raw calamari stored above maduros located in the standing reach in freezer.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed for the standing reach in cooler by the ware washing area.
Apr 25, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
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 lobster stored above mixed vegetables,raw calamari stored above maduros located in the standing reach in freezer.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. standing glass door unit; falafel (48F - Cold Holding); grape leaves (49F - Cold Holding); baba ganoush (48F - Cold Holding); veggie kibbeh (48F - Cold Holding); kibbeh (48F - Cold Holding) as per operator from 2 days ago
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. standing glass door unit; falafel (48F - Cold Holding); grape leaves (49F - Cold Holding); baba ganoush (48F - Cold Holding); veggie kibbeh (48F - Cold Holding); kibbeh (48F - Cold Holding) as per operator from 2 days ago
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed for Diego V,Said S as per operator working at the establishment for more than 2 months.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Observed no thermal strips or non reversible thermometers available at the time of the inspection.
Beverage tubing/cold plate not separated from stored ice. Observed at the bar.
Food stored on floor. Observed jugs containing cooking oil stored on the dry storage floor.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed for the standing reach in cooler by the ware washing area.
Feb 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed for sushi items,tuna tartare.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. At the time of the inspection no thermal labels or non reversible thermometers available.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed in the womens bathroom.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn and in disrepair. Salad station.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed for standing unit opposite ware washing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the mens bathroom.
Dec 21, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 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 cooked cauliflower,located in the prep 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 standing reach in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. salad station:; blue cheese crumbles (52F - Cold Holding); shredded lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (54F - Cold Holding)as per operator about two hrs ago, operator removed to other reach in cooler.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed for sushi items,tuna tartare.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. At the time of the inspection no thermal labels or non reversible thermometers available.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vents soiled with accumulation of dust,ware washing area, above sushi station.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature at 47F for reach in cooler,salad station.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed in the womens bathroom.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed in the prep area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn and in disrepair. Salad station.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed in the mens bathroom.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed for standing unit opposite ware washing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the mens bathroom.
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.