SF Italian Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass Despite Violations

Zingari Ristorante at 501 Post Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass on its October 31 health reinspection, allowing the Italian restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing several correctable violations found by health inspectors. The afternoon reinspection at the restaurant near Powell Street BART revealed multiple temperature control issues and facility maintenance problems that require attention but did not warrant closure. Health officials found unsafe food temperatures throughout the kitchen, missing certification documentation, and structural maintenance needs that must be corrected within the required timeframe.

Temperature Control Violations

Inspectors discovered several instances of improper food storage temperatures during this inspection. Milk stored in the bar refrigerator measured 58°F, well above the safe holding temperature, and was immediately discarded by restaurant staff upon discovery. The cook's cold table presented the most significant temperature violations, with various sauces and ingredients measuring between 45-69°F. Tomato sauce, meat sauce, marinara sauce, tomato paste, blue cheese, and Lima beans all exceeded safe holding temperatures. Restaurant operators quickly moved these items to working coolers after the violations were identified. Additional temperature issues included meatballs held at 119°F on the stove for approximately 30 minutes, which were reheated to the required 165°F. Garlic in oil measured at an unsafe 108°F and was discarded by management. Several items stored in cold drawers on the cook's line, including cut roasted cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and burrata cheese, were found at temperatures between 45-49°F and relocated to proper refrigeration.

Certification and Maintenance Issues

The inspection revealed that the required food safety manager certification was not available on-site. Restaurant management stated they possess the certification but had lost the physical certificate. They must obtain and maintain a duplicate certificate readily available for inspector review. Facility maintenance violations included a torn door gasket on the two-door undercounter cooler near the kitchen entrance, requiring immediate repair. Inspectors also found damaged wooden spoons with splitting wood that are no longer smooth and cleanable, which were removed from the premises.

Structural Concerns

The most serious facility issue involved a ceiling leak above the bread preparation area at the east end of the cook's line. Water was dripping onto the prep table counter from a pipe through an open hole in the ceiling. This leak has created a 3-inch diameter hole in the ceiling that requires professional repair.

Restaurant History and Next Steps

This marks Zingari Ristorante's second consecutive conditional inspection result, following a previous inspection in September that also resulted in conditional status for similar temperature control and facility maintenance violations. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue normal operations while addressing the identified violations. Restaurant management must correct all issues and provide documentation of repairs and certification before the next scheduled inspection. The facility has demonstrated responsiveness by immediately discarding unsafe food items and relocating temperature-compromised ingredients during the inspection process. Zingari Ristorante serves traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, offering convenient access to public transportation and downtown dining options. The restaurant remains open for service while working to achieve full compliance with health department standards. *Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections*