TROPICAL CUISINE
3405 E HILLSBOROUGH AVE, Tampa FL 33610 · 813 252 4712
Last inspected May 7, 2026 · 9 visits since October 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
MAR 25
SEP 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach in men's bathroom next to kitchen door. Observed 3 live roaches inside dry food storage area inside kitchen.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $960
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025070913 | Sep 16, 2025 | Oct 23, 2025 | $800 |
| 3--2024053566 | Jul 15, 2024 | Oct 23, 2024 | $160 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 10 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards in kitchen at time of inspection.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed walk in cooler handle is soiled at time of inspection.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed hole and water damage to ceiling in front of back door at time of inspection.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled in kitchen around equipment at time of inspection.
Show the remaining 6 findings ▾
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice at time of 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 scoop handle in bulk dried rice at time of inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed sides of kitchen equipment are soiled at time of inspection.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open at time of inspection.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Hoods soiled at time of inspection.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled wall behind burners on cooks line at time of inspection.
Sep 17, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority6 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed condensation hose connected to AC draining into Hand washing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot in handwashing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Employee 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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at Hand washing sink behind front counter, Hand washing sink in kitchen next to 3 compartment sink.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Missing employee trainings for 5 employees, operator presented 1.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marking on food items in walk in cooler.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed women's bathroom door open. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed women's and men's bathroom door not self-closing.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling with water damage above 3 compartment sink. Observed hole in ceiling in women's bathroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with mold-like substance in dry food storage area. Observed AC vents throughout kitchen soiled with dust and mold-like substance.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on hotel pans across from 3 compartment sink underneath prep table.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout main kitchen soiled with an accumulation of debris.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed lettuce, broccoli, and milk not stored at least 6 inches off the floor inside of walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall near exit door in dry food storage area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in dry food storage area soiled with grease and old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease. Observed stoved, flat top grill and fryers soiled with grease and old food debris
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with an accumulation of grease in kitchen next to stove equipment.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not allowed to dry near kitchen entrance.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in kitchen across from stove.
Sep 17, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 20 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 70 rodent droppings found in hallway closet next to kitchen door. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings in closet inside of kitchen. Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings in dry food storage area inside of kitchen.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed condensation hose connected to AC draining into Hand washing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot in handwashing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Employee 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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at Hand washing sink behind front counter, Hand washing sink in kitchen next to 3 compartment sink.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Missing employee trainings for 5 employees, operator presented 1.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marking on food items in walk in cooler.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed women's bathroom door open. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed women's and men's bathroom door not self-closing.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling with water damage above 3 compartment sink. Observed hole in ceiling in women's bathroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with mold-like substance in dry food storage area. Observed AC vents throughout kitchen soiled with dust and mold-like substance.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on hotel pans across from 3 compartment sink underneath prep table.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout main kitchen soiled with an accumulation of debris.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed lettuce, broccoli, and milk not stored at least 6 inches off the floor inside of walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall near exit door in dry food storage area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in dry food storage area soiled with grease and old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease. Observed stoved, flat top grill and fryers soiled with grease and old food debris
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with an accumulation of grease in kitchen next to stove equipment.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not allowed to dry near kitchen entrance.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in kitchen across from stove.
Sep 16, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 33 violations recorded, 9 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
9 High priority6 Intermediate18 Basic
Show 33 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee serve food then cash out on register before returning to serve food again without washing hands in between glove changes.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Employee washing dishes with soap and water only no sanitizer.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 fly in kitchen area.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 10 dead maggots behind trash can in men's bathroom next to kitchen door.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach in men's bathroom next to kitchen door. Observed 3 live roaches inside dry food storage area inside kitchen.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 70 rodent droppings found in hallway closet next to kitchen door. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings in closet inside of kitchen. Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings in dry food storage area inside of kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sliced ham (65F - Cold Holding); sliced white cheese (64F - Cold Holding) located in sandwich cooler next to drink cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. mashed potatoes (127F - Hot Holding) yuca (100F - Hot Holding); cooked potatoes (127F - Hot Holding)
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed condensation hose connected to AC draining into Hand washing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot in handwashing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Employee 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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at Hand washing sink behind front counter, Hand washing sink in kitchen next to 3 compartment sink.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Missing employee trainings for 5 employees, operator presented 1.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marking on food items in walk in cooler.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed women's bathroom door open. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed women's and men's bathroom door not self-closing.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining the shelves next to hot box in kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling with water damage above 3 compartment sink. Observed hole in ceiling in women's bathroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with mold-like substance in dry food storage area. Observed AC vents throughout kitchen soiled with dust and mold-like substance.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pans and pot lids on shelf next to hot box not inverted.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on hotel pans across from 3 compartment sink underneath prep table.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water inside of closet next to 3 compartment sink.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout main kitchen soiled with an accumulation of debris.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed lettuce, broccoli, and milk not stored at least 6 inches off the floor inside of walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall near exit door in dry food storage area.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop in contact with ice inside of ice machine inside of kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in dry food storage area soiled with grease and old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease. Observed stoved, flat top grill and fryers soiled with grease and old food debris
Open dumpster lid.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with an accumulation of grease in kitchen next to stove equipment.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not allowed to dry near kitchen entrance.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in kitchen across from stove.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of rice, beans unlabeled in kitchen. Observed spices above hot box in kitchen not labeled.
Mar 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Black beans at 58 F. and Red beans at 65 F. Operator states they both were cooked this morning cooling. Placing in smaller pans to finish cooling.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. On top shelf cooksline
Jan 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ LUIS MARTINEZ Owner/Manager
No soap provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal cell phone on prep table and back pack on large white containers with beans inside
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout back kitchen area
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Raw beef and raw pork in walk-in-cooler
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Large ice machine
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Open dumpster lid.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Water bottle not labeled
Jul 15, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 19 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority6 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cooks line
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Both men's and women's restroom
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout kitchen
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled
Outer openings not protected during operation.
Water draining onto floor surface. In Walk-In-Cooler from leaking air conditioning unit.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. On floor at open back door of establishment
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large whirs bucket on cooks line with yellow lid not labeled
Mar 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle with toxic chemicals stored on top of large ice machine
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Shredded cheese in glass reach-in-cooler in dry storage
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 5 employees working and no Certified Food Manager on duty Mairelys Delgado Person In Charge
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. New employees per Owner/Manager
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked food in walk-in-cooler
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed operator eating while serving on the buffet line.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Underneath cooking equipment
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected during operation.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Oct 30, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw shelled eggs 48. Placing in walk-in-freezer
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.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Utensils stored in hand sink in front kitchen area
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.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Food in walk-in-cooler
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On top of buffet reach-in-cooler and large ice machine
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
Employee eating while preparing food.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected during operation.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
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.