Starbelly Restaurant Closed for Failed Health Inspection

Health officials forced the immediate closure of Starbelly Restaurant in San Francisco's Tenderloin district after the establishment failed a routine inspection on August 28, 2025. The restaurant, located near Powell St BART station, received a failing grade that resulted in its mandatory shutdown with no reopening date currently scheduled. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted this inspection between 2:00 PM and 4:15 PM, ultimately determining that the violations discovered posed significant risks to public health and safety. Inspector Katherine Tuazon, whose contact information is listed as katherine.tuazon@sfdph.org, documented the failures that led to the restaurant's closure.

Inspection Details

The routine inspection revealed conditions serious enough to warrant immediate closure of the restaurant. While specific violation details were not fully disclosed in the initial report, the failure was significant enough that health officials determined the establishment could not safely continue operations. The inspection lasted over two hours, indicating a thorough examination of the facility's operations, food handling practices, and safety protocols. This represents the first recorded inspection for Starbelly Restaurant in the city's database, making it impossible to establish a pattern of compliance or previous violations. The lack of inspection history suggests this may be either a newly opened establishment or one that has operated without recent health department oversight.

Health Implications

Restaurant closures in San Francisco typically result from serious violations that pose immediate risks to customer health and safety. Common causes include temperature control failures that can lead to bacterial growth, pest infestations that contaminate food supplies, improper food handling that increases salmonella risks, or equipment malfunctions that compromise sanitation standards. The Tenderloin district, known for its diverse dining scene and proximity to major transit hubs, relies heavily on restaurant establishments to serve both residents and the thousands of commuters who pass through daily via the nearby Powell Street BART and Muni stations. The closure removes one dining option from an area that serves as a gateway to downtown San Francisco.

Restaurant Operations

Starbelly Restaurant operates under the ownership of VAL 22 RI LLC, according to health department records. The establishment can be reached at (415) 550-8626, though it remains unclear when or if the restaurant will be permitted to reopen. The facility's certification status and expiration date were noted during the inspection process. The restaurant's location in the Tenderloin places it in one of San Francisco's most densely populated neighborhoods, where food safety compliance is particularly crucial given the high volume of foot traffic and the vulnerable populations that call the area home.

Next Steps

Before Starbelly Restaurant can reopen, it must address all violations identified during the failed inspection and pass a reinspection conducted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The restaurant must demonstrate full compliance with all health and safety regulations before being permitted to resume operations. Customers who recently dined at the establishment and experience any symptoms of foodborne illness are advised to contact their healthcare providers and report their concerns to the health department. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health inspections in maintaining food safety standards across San Francisco's restaurant industry.