New Mangia Tutti Ristorante Closed for Live Cockroaches

San Francisco health officials have immediately suspended the operating permit of New Mangia Tutti Ristorante after inspectors discovered live cockroaches crawling directly on food containers and widespread rodent contamination throughout the Financial District establishment. During this inspection on August 28, 2025, health inspectors found two live adult German cockroaches directly on containers of garlic cloves and an open container of pasta stored in the main food preparation cooler. The discovery prompted an immediate closure of the Italian restaurant located at 635 Clay Street, just blocks from the Embarcadero BART station.

Widespread Infestation Discovered

The severity of the pest problem became clear as inspectors documented their findings. Twenty live adult German cockroaches were found living in cracks between wall sections directly behind the food preparation cooler on the cook's line. A glue trap on the service counter contained over 30 dead cockroaches, while additional dead cockroaches were discovered inside two inoperable coolers used for food storage. The rodent problem proved equally extensive. Mouse droppings were found in multiple locations throughout the restaurant, including the coffee bar cabinet behind sugar packets, the service counter, the downstairs office area, the water heater room, and near work tables adjacent to broken refrigeration equipment.

Additional Health Violations

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors documented several other critical violations that posed immediate health risks to customers. Raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat vegetables, while raw eggs were placed above cartons of heavy cream in the main preparation cooler. Packages of raw ground meat were found stored on top of a box of broccoli in another cooler, creating significant cross-contamination risks. The restaurant's hot water systems failed to meet safety standards, with temperature violations recorded at multiple sinks. The three-compartment dish sink and downstairs two-compartment sink both measured only 113°F, well below the required 120°F minimum for proper sanitization.

Food Safety Management Failures

Inspectors could not verify that the restaurant employed a certified food safety manager or that employees possessed required food handler cards. The handwashing station in the coffee bar lacked soap, while fruit flies were observed near sinks in both the dishwashing area and basement. Adding to the violations, restaurant staff had stored a can of Raid insect spray labeled "for household use only" on the service counter, violating regulations prohibiting unauthorized pesticides in commercial food establishments.

Restaurant History and Consequences

New Mangia Tutti Ristorante, operated by Raul A. Hernandez, has no previous inspection history on record with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. This closure marks the restaurant's first documented interaction with city health officials, suggesting the violations may have developed over time without oversight. The restaurant must address all violations before applying for permit reinstatement. The facility must eliminate all pest activity, repair broken equipment, establish proper food storage protocols, install adequate handwashing facilities, and hire certified food safety management staff. The closure affects lunch and dinner service for office workers and tourists in the busy Financial District, where the restaurant served as one of the area's Italian dining options near major transit connections. The restaurant remains closed pending successful completion of all required corrections and a passing reinspection by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.