Sahara Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026
58
Score
Across the available record, Sahara Cafe has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Sahara Cafe was last inspected on Apr 9, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “no paper towels” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
That's lower than the typical Sarasota restaurant, which scores around 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 9, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - 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. **Corrective Action Taken**
31A-09-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-54-4
58
Jan 8, 2026
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - 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. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
24-27-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Counter tops next to the cook line soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting lettuce before washing. Employee washed the cut and uncut lettuce. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-39-4
61
Sep 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - 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.
16-37-1
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing above the cook line. **Repeat Violation**
38-07-4
61
Mar 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
70
Dec 26, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 24, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Wiping cloth solution reading +200ppm chlorine. Owner replaced the sanitizer new reading 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-27-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-05-5
55
Mar 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
70
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Wiping cloth sanitizer solution reading +200ppm. Employee adjusted the solution new reading 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-18-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-36-4
64
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
74
Dec 1, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of bleach stored next to food under a preparation table in the kitchen. Manager removed the bleach. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched their face then clean equipment without washing hands. Employee washed their hands. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-25-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 4 ceiling tiles in in the kitchen damaged. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Faucet missing on the mop sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on the make line.
22-16-4
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sahara Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sahara Cafe on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sahara Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Sahara Cafe.
How does Sahara Cafe compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Sahara Cafe most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Sahara Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Sahara Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sahara Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Sahara Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sahara Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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