Bento Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2026
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Bento Cafe 10 times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near seven violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which Bento Cafe's 50 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed can of gold label soy sauce dented at rim of can. See stop sale.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - 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/ Observed manager Alvin Gordo CFM certification expired 1-4-26
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed ice deflector in large ice machine soiled. Also, ice chute on self dispensing soda machine in dining area soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling in dry food storage area not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable.
36-37-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked pans on storage shelf in warewashing area unable to properly air dry **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed handles of two rice warmers in kitchen area in disrepair.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor in walkway to dry food storage and in front of ice machine and triple sink. Employee squeegee'd water down drain. **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of oil stored on floor on cook line. Also, plastic buckets of mayo and soy sauce stored on floor in dry food storage area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple filters in hood area above wok station soiled. Also, exterior of fryers, and reach-in coolers on cook line soiled. Also, gasket on walk-in-cooler soiled. Also, exterior of white storage bins on cook line around lid soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed green peppers stored above ready to eat white meat chicken in walk-in-cooler. Operator removed unwashed produce to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
50
Aug 20, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Cooked pad Thai noodles date marked 8/10 not consumed within 7 days after preparation. Stop sale.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cream cheese (47F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler at front sushi making station. Operator stated item was placed in cooler earlier and may have been left out during lunch. Operator stated he will keep it in cooler to chill. Also, cooked noodles, liquid pasteurized eggs, shrimp (48F-54F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from wok station. Observed door partially opened. Operator adjusted gasket and closed door fully. Also, milk (45F - Cold Holding)in walk-in-cooler. Operator stated employee may have had milk out during lunch. Operator stated he will ensure it stays in cooler to chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink in warewashing area. Operator replenished paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable cutting board on cook line across from hand wash sink soiled/ stained. Also, ice chute at self soda dispensing machine in dining area and soda nozzles on same machine soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Lid on large ice machine cracked on exterior and inside lid.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor, ceiling walls soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor, ceiling, and walls throughout kitchen, cook line, and prep area soiled/ has accumulation of dust.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Plastic bucket containing soy sauce in dry food storage area stored on floor. Operator removed to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light in prep/ kitchen area missing light shield.
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on walk-in-cooler soiled. Also, exterior of multiple pieces of equipment on cook line soiled (sides of reach-in coolers, fryers)
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Multiple clean containers on clean storage shelf still have old labels adhered to containers. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in reach-in cooler across from wok station. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Faucet at prep sink across from fryers leaking. **Repeat Violation**
29-11-4
41
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 3, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices
FL-28
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
41
Aug 19, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. liquid eggs (48F - Cold Holding) in top of flip top reach-in cooler. Operator voluntarily discarded. Also, cream cheese (46F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler at sushi making station. Employee stated she had door opened during lunch. Operator told employee to leave door closed so cream cheese can chill. Retested at end of inspection and was at 43F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food required to be date marked is not date marked and time of opening/preparation cannot be determined. See stop sale. Container of whipping cream in walk-in-cooler not date marked, only a green sticker that states use first. Operator unsure of when container was opened. Stop Sale.
01B-17-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of cleaner stored next to container of oil on shelf next to food warmer. Operator removed cleaner to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Container of whipping cream in walk-in-cooler not date marked, only a green sticker that states use first. Operator unsure of when container was opened. Stop Sale.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute at self dispensing soda machine in dining area soiled. Also, ice deflector in large ice machine soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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/ No CFM on duty while 4 and more employees working.
53A-05-6
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Multiple ceiling tiles missing in kitchen area.
36-36-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked pans on storage shelf in warewashing area unable to properly air dry
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on cook line. Employee squeegeed water away. **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Tin foil used to cover shelf ripped/ torn on shelf next to food warmer.
14-20-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe leaking at hand wash sink near warewashing area.
29-11-4
37
Mar 28, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
67
Aug 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
55
Mar 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Fried pork egg rolls, pork dumplings and tofu in reach cooler at 56F-60F. Manager stated egg rolls, dumplings and tofu was left in reach in cooler from previous day. See stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Fried pork egg rolls, pork dumplings and tofu in reach cooler at 56F-60F. Manager stated egg rolls, dumplings and tofu was left in reach in cooler from previous day. See stop sale. Ambient temperature of cooler was 59F. Manager saw that cooler electrical outlet was tripped, re set cooler.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - 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. Observed establishment without written procedures on vomiting and diarrhea clean up. Inspector provided copy of written procedures on vomiting and diarrhea clean up.
11-27-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling air vent cover missing located on cook line near grill are. Observed multiple dusty ceiling tiles throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of batter , and case of soda stored on floor in dry storage area. Manager removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
61
Nov 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed two hand sinks located on sushi line to be not accessible for employee use. Employee stated one sink has bad smell that comes out and the other hand sink leaks when used so they have taped off and placed do not use on sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-14: Still the same at callback. **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bento Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bento Cafe on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bento Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Bento Cafe.
How does Bento Cafe compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
Bento Cafe most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has Bento Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Bento Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Bento Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Bento Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bento Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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