The Melt SoMa Restaurant Passes Health Inspection Clean

The Melt in SoMa has achieved an exemplary health inspection pass, demonstrating outstanding food safety standards that set a benchmark for restaurant operations in San Francisco. The restaurant at 925 Market Street near Powell BART received a perfect inspection score on December 1, 2025, with inspector Katherine Tuazon finding no violations during her comprehensive review.

Inspection Excellence

During this inspection, The Melt showcased textbook food safety protocols that impressed health officials. Inspector Tuazon documented cooked burger patties maintaining proper internal temperatures at 185 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the minimum safety requirements. All sinks provided hot water at precisely 120 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring effective sanitization throughout the kitchen operation. The restaurant's cold storage systems performed flawlessly, keeping perishable items below the critical 41-degree threshold that prevents bacterial growth. Hot holding equipment maintained foods at 138 degrees Fahrenheit, demonstrating the kitchen staff's commitment to preventing foodborne illness. Hand washing stations were fully accessible and properly stocked with soap and paper towels, reflecting the establishment's dedication to employee hygiene standards.

Food Safety Achievements

What distinguished this inspection was the complete absence of pest activity, a common challenge for urban restaurants. The inspector noted "no vermin activity" and confirmed that "overall sanitation meets standard." This achievement reflects comprehensive pest control measures and meticulous cleaning protocols that many establishments struggle to maintain consistently. The kitchen's organization and cleanliness impressed the health department, with all food preparation surfaces meeting sanitation requirements. Staff demonstrated proper food handling techniques, and equipment showed signs of regular maintenance and cleaning. These practices create a dining environment where customers can feel confident about food safety and quality.

Restaurant History

The Melt's December success represents a remarkable turnaround from earlier challenges in 2025. The restaurant had received conditional passes during September inspections due to hand washing facility issues and temperature control problems. A follow-up inspection in late September showed improvements, leading to an October verification that confirmed compliance with health department requirements. This progression demonstrates the restaurant management's commitment to addressing health department concerns and implementing lasting improvements. The December inspection validates that The Melt has not only corrected previous violations but elevated their food safety practices to exemplary levels.

Customer Confidence

For diners in the SoMa district, The Melt's perfect inspection offers assurance of safe, properly handled food. The restaurant's location near Powell BART makes it a convenient option for commuters and downtown workers seeking quality meals prepared under strict safety standards. The inspection results reflect professional kitchen management, trained staff, and systematic approaches to food safety that protect public health. Customers can expect properly cooked food, clean dining surfaces, and hygienic food preparation practices that meet the highest health department standards. Inspector Katherine Tuazon's comprehensive review validates The Melt's transformation into a model establishment for food safety excellence. The restaurant's journey from conditional status to perfect compliance demonstrates that sustained effort and proper management can achieve outstanding results in restaurant health and safety. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections