Downtown Sacramento Restaurant Cited for Multiple Health Code Violations

La Terraza was flagged for unclean food surfaces and a lack of food safety certification during a recent health inspection.

Whatnow News Team News Writer
Image of signboard outside La Terraza Mexican Restaurant (Image credit: Mark A. | Yelp)

[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on May 22 and does not represent the establishment’s current or future status.]

The Sacramento County Environmental Management Department conducted a routine health inspection at La Terraza on May 22. The Mexican restaurant received a yellow placard.

The inspection report noted multiple health code violations and unsanitary conditions.

WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.

La Terraza

A screenshot of La Terraza inspection report
A screenshot of the La Terraza inspection report (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)
  • When: May 22, 2026
  • Where: 1027 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States

La Terraza is a Mexican restaurant located at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The restaurant serves tacos, burrito bowls, seafood dishes, cocktails, and other Mexican fare.

According to the inspection report, the violations identified are:

  • Paper towels and hand soap were missing from the handwashing sink at the bar. Employees were instructed to properly stock and maintain the handwashing station.
  • The walk-in cooler failed to maintain proper food temperatures. The inspecting officer noted two containers of pozole containing chicken and corn measured at 46°F.
  • The walk-in cooler failed to maintain proper food temperatures. Staff were instructed to cool foods in shallow, uncovered containers and smaller portions. The violation was corrected during the inspection.
  • The report stated that the food manager’s certificate and food handler cards were unavailable for review.
  • The report noted an employee beverage lacking a lid and straw in the prep area.
Screenshot of the violations mentioned in the report
Screenshot of the violations mentioned in the report (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)
  • According to the inspection report, cases of produce were stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Employees were instructed to store food at least 6 inches off the floor.
  • Several nonfood contact surfaces showed signs of inadequate cleaning. Grease and debris on the floor under the cookline, heavy grease on the side of the fryer, and debris on the bottom shelf of the freezer were observed during the inspection.
  • Tongs were stored on the oven handle instead of a clean, sanitary location to prevent contamination.
  • A wet wiping cloth with no sanitizer residual was observed at the prep table.
  • A new dish machine was installed in the facility without plan check approval. The inspector instructed the operator to submit a plan check application to EMD within 7 days.

A detailed inspection report is available here.

Follow-up Inspection

A screenshot of the official inspection report (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)

La Terraza received a yellow placard following the inspection. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to verify compliance.

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