The County of Los Angeles Public Health cited a pizzeria for food code violations on July 25. At Picasso Pie, inspectors noted a vermin infestation and other health violations, leading to a score of 78 and a ‘C’ grade. The restaurant was temporarily shut down by the County for failing to meet health safety standards.
Please note that the score and grade mentioned below are from a routine health inspection conducted on July 25. They may not reflect the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- On July 25, Picasso Pie was ordered to stop food operations temporarily.
- Food inspectors of the County of Los Angeles Public Health observed health violations and gave it a ‘C’ grade.
- The pizza establishment must take corrective measures before a re-inspection this week.
Picasso Pie
Delicious items at Picasso Pie (Source: @picassopie.com)
- Where: 105 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- When: July 25, 2025
- Score: 78
- Grade: C
Known for its artisanal hand-tossed pies, Picasso Pie is a popular spot for wood-fired pizzas in Downtown L.A. Picasso Pie’s highlight dishes for dinner are BBQ Chicken Pizza, wings, Hawaiian Pizza, Caesar Salad, mozzarella sticks, and cheesecake.
During the July 25 inspection, health officials observed signs of a vermin infestation at the restaurant. The County of Los Angeles Public Health cited Picasso Pie for several other health violations and offered it a ‘C’ grade and a score of 78.
Inspectors found that items like cooked chicken and pepperoni were stored above the safe temperature threshold of 41°F. Additionally, its internal ambient temperature measured 44°F in the 2-door cooler with a cold top unit.
The on-site inspectors then highlighted the presence of cockroaches in multiple areas of Picasso Pie’s kitchen. One live adult German cockroach was inside the wet wiping cloths underneath the 4-compartment sink. Many other dead cockroaches were observed in the restroom as well. Inspectors also noted the use of a household-only insecticide on the premises.
The report cited issues with cleanliness throughout the kitchen, including dusty hood filters and food debris on equipment. Multiple dead cockroaches were observed in the handwash sinks at the L.A.-based pizza facility. Staff were also cited for improper use of sanitizing solution with cleaning cloths. Also, water was leaking at the kitchen entrance of the pizza restaurant.
Follow-up Inspection
The inspection report stated that officials of the County of Los Angeles Public Health will return for a re-inspection at Picasso Pie on July 28. Till then, while being closed temporarily, the pizzeria must take corrective actions.
These routine inspections are a means to keep an eye on the maintenance of food code regulations across restaurants in L.A. Without them, foodborne illnesses will keep occurring in the city.
