Omakase Japanese Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass on Reinspect

Omakase, the Japanese restaurant located at 665 Townsend Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during a reinspection on August 28, 2025, with inspectors finding most previous violations corrected but identifying ongoing concerns with staff training and record keeping procedures. During this inspection, conducted between 2:40 PM and 3:30 PM, health officials discovered that while the restaurant had addressed most issues from their August 13 routine inspection, critical gaps remained in food safety protocols that required immediate attention but did not warrant closure.

Staff Training Deficiencies Identified

The primary concern centered on staff inability to demonstrate proper sushi rice pH testing procedures, a critical safety requirement for Japanese restaurants serving raw fish preparations. Inspectors noted that employees could not show how to conduct the pH tests that ensure rice acidity levels meet safety standards for sushi preparation. According to the inspection report, the person in charge indicated they were still waiting on equipment needed for rice testing. Health officials mandated that all sushi preparation staff receive proper training on conducting pH tests and maintaining testing logs for future review. This violation was categorized as a major infraction due to its direct impact on food safety for raw fish service. The restaurant's location near Civic Center BART makes it a popular destination for downtown workers and tourists seeking authentic Japanese cuisine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Record Keeping Violations Found

Inspectors also discovered inadequate maintenance of shellfish tags, which must be kept on file for 90 days as required by health regulations. The violation specifically noted missing oyster tags for late August and September 2025, creating gaps in the traceability system that helps identify contamination sources in case of foodborne illness outbreaks. Health officials emphasized that shellfish tag maintenance represents a fundamental food safety protocol, as these records enable rapid response during potential contamination events. The restaurant was instructed to implement proper filing systems to ensure all shellfish tags are maintained for the required 90-day period.

Conditional Pass Allows Continued Operation

Despite these violations, Omakase received a green placard allowing continued operation while addressing the identified issues. The conditional pass reflects the restaurant's substantial progress in correcting most violations from the previous inspection, with only specific training and documentation issues remaining. The inspection revealed three total violations: two major infractions related to staff knowledge demonstration and one concerning shellfish tag compliance. This represents a significant improvement from the facility's previous inspection status, though complete details about prior violations were not immediately available.

Next Steps and Requirements

As part of the conditional pass requirements, Omakase must submit a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plan to the California Department of Public Health for approval. This comprehensive food safety management system will help prevent future violations and ensure consistent compliance with health regulations. The restaurant, operated by F & L Provisions Inc, continues serving customers while implementing the required corrections. Staff training on sushi rice pH testing procedures and establishment of proper shellfish tag filing systems are expected to be completed promptly to achieve full compliance status. Health officials will conduct follow-up inspections to verify implementation of all required corrections before issuing an unconditional pass rating for the SOMA establishment.