Moya Ethiopian Restaurant Reopens After Passing Health Reinspection

Moya, the Ethiopian restaurant located at 121 9th Street in SOMA, has successfully reopened after passing a crucial health department reinspection on November 18, 2025. The restaurant, situated near Civic Center BART, demonstrated its commitment to food safety by addressing all violations identified during a routine inspection conducted five days earlier. The reinspection, conducted by health inspector Katie Dea between 9:45 AM and 10:07 AM, found that the restaurant had successfully corrected all previous violations. According to this inspection report, the establishment received its food safety certifications, implemented proper cooling methods with foods now maintained at safe temperatures, cleaned the ice machine and equipment, repaired plumbing issues, and cleaned hood filters. The inspector issued a PASS placard, allowing the restaurant to resume normal operations.

Comprehensive Violation Resolution

The successful reinspection represents a significant turnaround for the restaurant, which had faced multiple serious health violations during its initial November 13 inspection. The establishment's management worked diligently over the five-day closure period to address every identified issue, demonstrating their commitment to customer safety and regulatory compliance. The corrective measures implemented included obtaining proper food safety certifications for staff, a critical requirement that ensures employees understand proper food handling procedures and temperature controls. The restaurant also addressed temperature violations by implementing proper cooling methods, ensuring that potentially hazardous foods are maintained at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Equipment and Infrastructure Improvements

Significant attention was paid to equipment issues, with thorough cleaning of the ice machine and other food contact surfaces. Contaminated ice machines can harbor harmful bacteria and pose serious health risks to customers. The establishment also completed necessary plumbing repairs, addressing potential cross-contamination issues that could affect water quality and food safety. The cleaning of hood filters was another crucial improvement, as dirty ventilation systems can accumulate grease and debris, creating fire hazards and allowing contaminants to circulate in food preparation areas. These comprehensive measures ensure that the restaurant's kitchen environment meets health department standards.

SOMA Dining Scene Impact

The reopening of Moya is significant for the SOMA dining community, particularly given the limited number of Ethiopian restaurants in the neighborhood. Located conveniently near Civic Center BART, the restaurant serves an important role in providing diverse cuisine options for both residents and commuters in the area. The restaurant's owner, Alemayehu Fanael, received the reinspection results directly from Inspector Dea, who can be reached at katie.dea@sfdph.org for any additional questions regarding the inspection process.

Food Safety Achievement

The successful resolution of all violations within five days demonstrates the restaurant's dedication to maintaining high food safety standards. Customers can now dine with confidence knowing that proper protocols are in place for food handling, temperature control, and equipment maintenance. This reopening serves as a positive example of how restaurants can quickly and effectively address health violations when committed to customer safety and regulatory compliance.