Hearts & Flame is an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles that the Los Angeles County Public Health Department has asked to close temporarily. In a health inspection conducted on Friday, violations of the food safety code were found at the outlet. The primary reason for closure was the inadequate cleaning and sanitation methods.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on June 6 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Hearts & Flame underwent a health inspection on Friday, June 6, 2025.
- The Italian restaurant was found to have multiple food safety violations and had to cease operations.
- From unclean conditions to temperature variations, the facility did not comply with the California Health and Safety Code.
Hearts & Flame Restaurant Fails Health Inspection
- Where: 225-227 S Garey St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- When: June 6, 2025
Hearts & Flame offers coastal Italian dishes in a modern setup with fresh seafood from the California coast. The restaurant features an open-flame grill and offers a variety of seafood and steak options.
However, the restaurant has now been asked to close temporarily. A health inspection took place at the facility on June 6, when the observation of foodborne illness risks led to this decision.
Violations Observed at the Restaurant
The inspection report highlights that the person-in-charge failed to demonstrate food safety knowledge at the time of inspection. The facility also lacked a valid food safety certification.
The restaurant was found not to comply with a specific HACCP plan, and the remodel construction plan was not sent to the department for review. During the inspection, it was observed that the employees were not following proper handwashing procedures and were not using gloves.
Inspectors observed frozen food thawing at room temperature, contrary to protocol. Nonfood contact surfaces were unclean and had old food debris. Tags and labels on food items were missing, and toxic chemicals were stored in the kitchen area.
In addition to employee handwashing violations, the facility lacked proper handwashing provisions. The sinks were obstructed, and there was no hot water available.
The inspector stated that the premises needed to undergo deep cleaning, wiping cloths must be stored in a sanitizing solution, and some equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. Multiple other violations regarding the safety and storage conditions of food occurred at the facility, which posed an increased risk to public health.
According to the report, the violations presented conditions that could endanger consumer safety. The restaurant cannot operate until all the violations are addressed and a safe compliance status is re-established.
