Uncle Vito's Pizza Closed for Live Cockroaches and Mouse Droppings

Uncle Vito's Pizza on Bush Street in Chinatown has been shuttered by San Francisco health inspectors after a disturbing reinspection revealed live cockroaches crawling through the kitchen and mouse droppings scattered across multiple food preparation areas. During this inspection conducted on August 15, 2025, health inspector John Wells made alarming discoveries that forced the immediate closure of the Italian restaurant located at 700 Bush Street, near the Montgomery St BART station.

Live Pest Infestation Discovered

The most shocking violation involved live German cockroaches actively moving through the restaurant's dishwashing area. Inspectors observed one live adult German cockroach nestled in a crack at the upper right ceiling corner above the two-compartment sink by the dishwasher. As the inspection continued, another cockroach was spotted crawling down the wall in the same dishwash area, demonstrating an active infestation in one of the kitchen's most critical sanitation zones. German cockroaches are particularly dangerous in food service establishments as they carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, making them a severe health threat to customers. These pests can contaminate food surfaces, utensils, and equipment with pathogens that cause serious foodborne illnesses.

Extensive Rodent Contamination

Even more disturbing were the widespread rodent droppings discovered throughout the kitchen. Mouse droppings were found scattered on the floor in the back kitchen along both the north and east walls where food prep tables are located, creating a direct contamination risk for food preparation surfaces. Additional mouse droppings were discovered in the hallway where wine boxes and white chef's shirts were stored, and in the "flour nook" where large bulk bins are kept. This extensive distribution of rodent waste indicates a significant mouse infestation that had gone unaddressed, potentially contaminating ingredients and food supplies throughout the facility.

Health Risks for Customers

The combination of live cockroaches and widespread mouse droppings created an extremely dangerous environment for food service. Mice produce approximately 50 droppings daily, each potentially containing Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of rodent waste near food preparation areas and ingredient storage locations meant customers could have been exposed to serious pathogens through contaminated food. The cockroach infestation near the dishwashing station was particularly concerning, as these pests could easily contaminate clean dishes, utensils, and glasses before they reached customer tables. The location of the infestation suggests that customers may have unknowingly consumed food or beverages from contaminated serving items.

Restaurant Closure and Consequences

Uncle Vito's Pizza LLC failed this reinspection and was immediately ordered to cease operations until the pest infestation is completely eliminated and the facility is thoroughly sanitized. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date set by health officials. This closure represents a serious setback for the Italian restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, an area popular with both tourists and local workers seeking quick lunch options near the Financial District. The restaurant's phone number remains (415) 391-5008, though customers are advised that the establishment is not currently serving food. Inspector John Wells can be reached at john.wells@sfdph.org regarding this closure. The restaurant must address all pest control issues and pass a comprehensive reinspection before being permitted to resume food service operations.