SF Fine Dining Atelier Crenn Fails with Rodent Droppings

Atelier Crenn, the prestigious fine dining establishment in San Francisco's Marina district, failed a routine health inspection on September 4, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings in dishwasher storage rooms. The critical violations at the upscale restaurant located at 3127 Fillmore Street represent a shocking departure from the high standards expected at such establishments. Inspector Amelia Castelli conducted the inspection from 2:35 PM to 3:25 PM, documenting two critical violations that resulted in an immediate failure. The most serious finding involved rodent droppings scattered on the floor of the dishwasher storage area, indicating an active pest infestation in a crucial food service zone.

Health Violations Found

The violations cited under California Retail Food Code Section 114259 specifically address the prohibition of insects, rodents, birds, and other non-service animals on restaurant premises. This marked a repeat violation for Atelier Crenn, suggesting ongoing pest control issues that had not been adequately addressed from previous concerns. Mice and other rodents pose severe health risks in food service environments, as they produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of rodent droppings in the dishwasher storage area is particularly concerning, as this location houses clean dishes and utensils that come into direct contact with food served to customers. The contamination discovery in the dishwasher storage room means that freshly cleaned plates, glasses, and utensils may have been exposed to rodent waste containing harmful bacteria. Customers dining at the restaurant during the period leading up to the inspection could have unknowingly consumed food served on contaminated dishware.

Inspection Details

Inspector Castelli's report noted specific issues including inadequate vermin proofing and problems with premises maintenance and personal cleaning items storage. The inspector ordered immediate corrective action to provide proper rodent proofing in the dishwasher room area. The timing of this inspection during peak dinner preparation hours makes the violations even more troubling, as kitchen staff would have been actively preparing meals while working in proximity to rodent contamination. Located near the 30 Stockton bus line, Atelier Crenn serves an upscale clientele expecting the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness. The restaurant's failure comes as a significant blow to its reputation in the competitive Marina dining scene.

Restaurant Response Required

The failed inspection requires Atelier Crenn to take immediate corrective action before resuming normal operations. The restaurant must implement comprehensive pest control measures, thoroughly sanitize all affected areas, and demonstrate effective rodent proofing to health department officials. No closure was ordered following the inspection, but the restaurant faces mandatory follow-up inspections to ensure all violations have been properly addressed. The repeat nature of the rodent violation suggests systemic pest control problems that require professional intervention and ongoing monitoring. Customers who dined at Atelier Crenn prior to September 4 should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which can appear within hours or days of exposure to contaminated surfaces or utensils.