Il Canto Cafe Fails with Hand Sink Used for Food Storage

Il Canto Cafe on Battery Street in San Francisco's Financial District failed its routine health inspection on October 7, 2025, after inspectors discovered food containers blocking the hand washing sink and multiple other serious violations that compromise food safety for customers dining at this cafe near Embarcadero BART. The most alarming violation found during this inspection involved the restaurant's hand washing facilities. Inspector Alyssa Manzano discovered food containers stored inside the hand sink, preventing employees from properly washing their hands. This violation directly undermines basic food safety protocols, as studies show that inadequate handwashing supplies lead to only 31% of workers washing hands properly, potentially spreading norovirus to hundreds of customers.

Critical Water Temperature Violations

Beyond the hand sink obstruction, inspectors found that the equipment at Il Canto Cafe posed serious sanitation risks. The three-compartment sink's maximum water temperature measured only 109 degrees Fahrenheit, far below the required 120 degrees needed for proper dish sanitization. Without adequate hot water temperatures, dishes cannot be properly sanitized and harmful bacteria and viruses that cause foodborne illness can survive on plates, utensils, and glasses served to unsuspecting customers. The cafe's refrigeration equipment also raised red flags during the inspection. Inspectors found cardboard lining shelves in the undercounter refrigerator and torn gaskets on the upright refrigerator door. These violations create ideal conditions for bacterial growth and cross-contamination, as household materials like cardboard cannot withstand commercial use and harbor dangerous bacteria in cracks and crevices.

Management and Certification Issues

Adding to the facility's problems, the food safety manager's certification had expired, leaving the establishment without proper oversight of critical food safety protocols. Certified food safety managers typically reduce critical violations by 60% because they understand essential practices like temperature control, contamination prevention, and proper hygiene that prevents disease outbreaks. The inspection also revealed cleanliness issues throughout the facility. Inspectors noted old food debris accumulated on the floor behind refrigerators and dust buildup on ceiling vents, indicating a pattern of inadequate cleaning and maintenance that could harbor pests and contaminate food preparation areas.

Impact on Financial District Dining

Located at 275 Battery Street in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Il Canto Cafe serves office workers and tourists in one of the city's most densely populated business areas. The restaurant's failure to maintain basic sanitation standards puts numerous daily customers at risk of foodborne illness during their lunch breaks and coffee runs. The cafe was not ordered to close following the inspection, but must address all violations to avoid future enforcement action. The restaurant's owner, Kloris LLC, can be reached at (415) 463-9160 regarding the inspection results. This marks the first recorded inspection for Il Canto Cafe in the city's database, making it unclear whether these violations represent ongoing issues or new problems. The establishment must work quickly to correct the hand sink misuse, repair equipment, and ensure proper water temperatures to protect public health in this high-traffic downtown location.