The Department of Environmental Health and Quality of the County of San Diego conducted health inspections at restaurants. Inspectors identified multiple food safety violations at a sandwich shop and a Mexican restaurant. As a result, the officials ordered both outlets to close temporarily until all the violations were eliminated.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on May 7 and 9 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Two food outlets in San Diego could not pass routine health inspections and had to close temporarily.
- Both restaurants exhibited major and minor violations, including non-compliance with food safety standards.
- A reinspection will be held at both restaurants before they are allowed to reopen.
Restaurants With Failed Health Inspections in San Diego
Amid growing concerns about food safety and health, inspections have become increasingly important to ensure adherence to health standards. During such a routine health inspection in San Diego, two food outlets could not perform satisfactorily. Multiple food safety violations were found at both restaurants, leading to their temporary closure.
Rubicon Deli
- Where: 4130 La Jolla Village Dr #104, La Jolla, CA 92037
- When: May 9, 2025
Rubicon Deli is a sandwich shop that has multiple outlets. The shop is famous for its diverse variety of breads and fillings. It was established in 1994 and also offers a catering menu for customers to book on special occasions. People can customize their meals with various available options.
On May 9, Rubicon Deli’s La Jolla Village branch did not pass a routine health inspection. The inspecting officer observed multiple food safety violations at the outlet. Vermin infestation was the major violation that led to the closure of the shop.
It was also observed that the premises needed deep cleaning. Personal items of employees were not stored in a designated area. As per the report, the facility needs to undergo vermin-proofing at its earliest.
Cocina De Barrio
- Where: 3707 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
- When: May 7, 2025
Cocina De Barrio, by Chef Jose J. Flores, is a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. The restaurant serves happy-hour specials, Mexican plates, and brunch options to its diners. The restaurant has multiple locations across San Diego.
The Fifth Avenue outlet of Cocina De Barrio could not pass a routine health inspection on May 7 and had to close temporarily. Multiple serious violations were observed at the restaurant. They have been listed below:
- Improper handwashing facilities
- Food holding temperatures were not maintained
- Vermin infestation was observed in the facility
- Non-food contact surfaces had grease accumulation
- Equipment use and utensil storage were out of compliance with the required standards
- Unclean premises with no proper vermin-proofing
- Broken tiles on the floor and walls were noticed
Both restaurants have been ordered to close until further notice, with reinspection anticipated. The food safety compliance status will be checked during the reinspection. Passing this inspection will allow both restaurants to reopen.
