8 Collier County Restaurants Perfect; 11 Fail Inspection

Collier County’s restaurant inspection reports are in, offering a mixed bag for diners. While eight establishments achieved perfect scores, demonstrating a commitment to food safety and hygiene, eleven others failed to meet the required standards, prompting temporary closures and corrective actions. The results, released this week by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), highlight the importance of consistent vigilance in maintaining sanitary conditions across our vibrant culinary scene, from the bustling Third Street South to the quieter corners of Vanderbilt Beach Road.

Perfect Scores: A Culinary Showcase

Earning perfect scores and demonstrating exemplary food safety practices are the following eight establishments:

• The Turtle Club: This iconic beachfront restaurant on Vanderbilt Beach Road, known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite seafood, maintained its impeccable record, showcasing the highest standards of cleanliness and food handling.
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar (Mercato): Located in the upscale Mercato Shops, this popular establishment impressed inspectors with its pristine kitchen and adherence to safety protocols.
• Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro: This vibrant restaurant, a favorite among Naples residents and visitors alike, consistently demonstrates its dedication to food safety.
• The French Brasserie Rustique: This charming eatery, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, provides a consistent experience with excellent food and hygiene standards.
• Sea Salt: Known for its innovative culinary creations, Sea Salt maintained its spotless record, impressing inspectors with its organized and clean kitchen.
• Jane’s on Third: This popular Third Street South restaurant continues to meet the highest standards, providing diners with peace of mind.
• Campiello: Another Third Street South gem, Campiello consistently excels in cleanliness and food safety, maintaining its reputation as a fine-dining destination.
• Ristorante Pazzo: This popular Fifth Avenue South Italian restaurant also earned a perfect score.

Failures Highlight Need for Improvement

Eleven restaurants, however, received failing grades, prompting immediate attention to address identified violations. These failures underscore the critical importance of maintaining consistent hygiene and food safety practices, protecting the health and well-being of patrons. The violations ranged from improper food storage and temperature control to pest infestations and lack of employee handwashing compliance.

The following restaurants were issued failing grades and temporarily closed for remediation:

• Cafe Lurcat: Located near the Naples Art District, this establishment was cited for multiple critical violations related to temperature control and pest control.
• La Trattoria on Fifth: This popular Fifth Avenue South restaurant was closed due to serious violations concerning food storage and employee hygiene.
• The Oyster Society: Situated near the Naples Pier, this restaurant faced closure due to issues with pest control and improper food handling procedures.
• Amici’s Pizzeria: This popular pizza joint had significant issues with temperature control, leading to its temporary closure.
• Sunset Grill: This Tin City establishment faced issues related to both food safety and hygiene violations.
• The Crabby Captain: The Crabby Captain, also located in Tin City, had issues with temperature control and sanitation.
• Quick Bites Diner: Several violations related to food handling and storage were observed, requiring the restaurant’s temporary closure.
• Island Gypsy Cafe: Issues with pest control and sanitation prompted closure.
• El Dorado Pizza: Found to have issues with improper food storage and sanitation practices.
• The Waterfront Restaurant: Located near the Gordon River Greenway, this establishment faced serious violations regarding employee hygiene.
• Joe’s Diner: Several violations related to food handling and sanitation issues led to the temporary closure.

It’s important to note that these closures are temporary, and all establishments are required to rectify the violations before reopening. The DBPR conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance and the safety of the public. Consumers are encouraged to check the DBPR website for the most up-to-date inspection reports before dining out.

Importance of Restaurant Inspections

Regular restaurant inspections are crucial for maintaining public health and safety. These inspections help ensure that food is handled properly, stored correctly, and prepared in a sanitary environment. This protects consumers from foodborne illnesses, which can range from mild discomfort to severe complications. The rigorous standards and processes employed by the DBPR safeguard the community, particularly given the high volume of tourists and residents who frequent Collier County’s diverse culinary establishments.

The results of these inspections should serve as a reminder for both restaurant owners and consumers. Restaurant owners must maintain rigorous standards to protect their patrons’ health. Consumers, in turn, should feel empowered to check inspection reports and make informed decisions about where they choose to dine. Knowing which restaurants have a record of consistent adherence to safety standards can help to minimize risks and ensure a pleasurable and safe dining experience. This awareness is particularly relevant considering the popularity of Naples’ many restaurants, which are frequented by locals and tourists alike throughout the year. The vibrant culinary scene, centered around areas like Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, and Mercato, thrives on transparency and trust.

Furthermore, the close proximity of many popular dining locations to iconic Naples spots like the Naples Botanical Garden and the FAU campus reinforces the need for robust food safety protocols. The high foot traffic in these areas necessitates a proactive approach to public health.

Looking Ahead

The recent inspection results highlight the need for continued vigilance in maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene across all Collier County restaurants. The DBPR’s role in ensuring compliance is critical, and the cooperation of restaurant owners in addressing violations promptly is paramount. Informed consumers play an equally important role in maintaining safe and enjoyable dining experiences. By utilizing readily available inspection reports and reporting any concerns, residents and visitors can contribute to a collective effort to safeguard public health and the reputation of Naples’ exceptional culinary scene.

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