Lokma Restaurant Closed by SF Health Dept for Safety Violations

Lokma, a restaurant in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district, has been forced to close its doors after failing a critical health reinspection on November 5, 2025. The establishment at 1801 Clement Street near the 38 Geary bus line was shuttered by the San Francisco Department of Public Health following the discovery of serious premises violations that create ideal conditions for rodents and cockroaches. During this inspection, conducted between 2:30 PM and 3:05 PM, health inspector Jessica Jang documented one critical violation that ultimately led to the restaurant's immediate closure. The violation centered on premises maintenance and vermin proofing, issues that pose significant health risks to customers and create an environment conducive to pest infestation.

Critical Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed that Lokma's back door, which is required to be self-closing for proper vermin control, was propped open for ventilation purposes. This seemingly minor infraction represents a major breach of food safety protocols, as open doors provide direct access for flies, rodents, and other pests to enter food preparation areas. According to the California Retail Food Code Section 114067 and 114123, premises must maintain proper vermin proofing to prevent pest infestation. The inspector's findings indicate that the restaurant's practice of keeping the back door propped open creates ideal harborage conditions for pest infestation. Health experts note that even small openings can allow rodents and cockroaches to establish colonies within restaurant facilities, with each cockroach egg case potentially containing 30-40 nymphs. The violation falls under the critical category, meaning it poses an immediate risk to public health. Restaurants with open entry points face increased likelihood of rodent droppings contaminating food surfaces, cockroaches spreading bacteria across preparation areas, and flies landing on ready-to-eat foods.

Inspection Details

The November 5th visit was classified as a reinspection, suggesting that Lokma had previously failed to meet health department standards and was given an opportunity to correct violations. The fact that the restaurant failed this follow-up inspection and was subsequently closed indicates that corrective measures were either inadequate or not properly implemented. Inspector Jessica Jang, who can be reached at Jessica.Jang@sfdph.org, documented the premises violation during the 35-minute inspection. The restaurant's failure to maintain basic vermin proofing standards during a reinspection demonstrates a concerning pattern of non-compliance with fundamental food safety requirements.

Impact on Outer Richmond Dining

The closure affects the dining landscape along Clement Street, a busy corridor in the Outer Richmond known for its diverse restaurant scene. Located near the 38 Geary bus line, Lokma had been accessible to both neighborhood residents and visitors exploring the area's culinary offerings. For customers who may have dined at Lokma recently, the premises violations raise concerns about potential exposure to foodborne pathogens. Open doors and inadequate vermin control can lead to contamination of food surfaces, utensils, and ingredients with bacteria carried by pests. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced. Before resuming operations, Lokma must address all violations, implement proper vermin proofing measures, and pass a subsequent health inspection. The establishment's management, reached through their certified food manager at (415) 528-0914, will need to demonstrate sustained compliance with health codes before the closure order is lifted. This closure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining consistent food safety standards, particularly regarding basic premises maintenance that prevents pest infestation in food service establishments.