Pacific Heights Japanese Restaurant On The Bridge Reopens

On The Bridge, a Japanese restaurant in Pacific Heights, has successfully reopened after resolving serious health violations that led to its closure just days earlier. The restaurant at 1581 Webster Street passed its reinspection on November 21, 2025, with inspector Usman Javaid confirming that all previous violations had been corrected on site and the facility's permit was reinstated. The reopening comes after the restaurant was forced to close on November 17 following a routine inspection that revealed a severe rodent and cockroach infestation throughout the facility. According to inspection records, numerous rodent droppings were discovered near the water heater and in dry storage areas close to food preparation zones, creating immediate health risks for customers.

Swift Remediation Efforts

Between the closure and reopening, On The Bridge took decisive action to address the pest control issues. Professional pest control services were conducted on November 18, just one day after the closure. During the reinspection, inspector Javaid noted "No new cockroach/rodent activity" and confirmed that the restaurant had successfully eliminated the infestation that prompted the initial shutdown. The November 21 reinspection identified three violations, all of which were corrected immediately during the inspection. The most serious violation involved improper food cooling methods, where cooked chicken was found cooling in a plastic container at 121°F - a dangerous temperature that can promote rapid bacterial growth and potentially cause foodborne illnesses like clostridium perfringens.

Food Safety Corrections

Inspector Javaid also discovered issues with food contact surface sanitation, finding that the restaurant lacked proper sanitizer bucket solutions. This violation poses significant cross-contamination risks, as dirty cutting boards and utensils are responsible for 76% of cross-contamination incidents in commercial kitchens. The restaurant operator immediately prepared the required sanitizer solution during the inspection. Additionally, an employee was observed washing hands without changing gloves, a practice that can transfer contaminants despite proper handwashing. This violation was also corrected on site with proper staff retraining.

Neighborhood Impact

The swift reopening is welcome news for Pacific Heights residents and workers who frequent the area near Fillmore Bus Lines. On The Bridge, operated by Mitsuhiro Nakamura and Yolanda Nakamura, serves Japanese cuisine to a neighborhood known for its dining diversity. The restaurant's closure and reopening highlight the importance of ongoing pest control maintenance in San Francisco's urban restaurant environment. The facility's history shows this was an isolated incident, with the restaurant maintaining generally good standing with health inspectors prior to the November 17 closure. Inspector Usman Javaid can be reached at (415) 252-3982 for additional information about the inspection. The restaurant's permit has been fully reinstated, and customers can once again dine at the Webster Street location with confidence that all health and safety standards are being maintained.