Broward County restaurants face scrutiny after inspections reveal highest number of violations in November 2025

Broward County, Florida – When residents of Broward County head out to enjoy a meal, they trust local restaurants to serve not only tasty food but also safe, sanitary meals. That trust is built on the understanding that dining establishments adhere to strict health and safety standards, ensuring that every visit is free from risk. Yet, as state inspections reveal, not every restaurant meets those standards consistently, leaving some patrons vulnerable to unsafe conditions.

During November 2025, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducted 258 restaurant inspections across Broward County. While most restaurants passed on their first inspection, the reports shed light on a subset of establishments struggling to maintain basic food safety practices. Out of the total inspections, 256 restaurants passed their first evaluation. However, 102 required follow-up inspections due to violations, and 61 restaurants stood out for having the most infractions. Many of these establishments faced serious consequences, including temporary closures, administrative complaints, and formal warnings.

State records revealed that the number of violations in these high-risk restaurants was concerning. Nineteen establishments were cited for 15 or more violations, and four facilities were flagged for more than 19 infractions during the month. The violations varied widely, ranging from improper food temperature control to pest infestations and sanitation issues that demanded immediate attention. Inspectors emphasized that such problems can pose direct risks to public health if not addressed promptly.

Restaurants Facing Closures in November

Among the facilities that drew the most attention in November, four restaurants were ordered to close temporarily. Leading the list was Chow Time Grill & Buffet, located at 12375 Pembroke Road in Pembroke Pines. Inspectors cited 16 violations on November 3, including roaches, repeated infractions, food temperature control problems, and live insects. An emergency order recommendation was issued, and the buffet was closed to the public until it could meet the required standards.

A follow-up inspection on November 4 revealed only one remaining violation, allowing Chow Time Grill & Buffet to reopen. The swift response by the owners highlights the impact that inspections and enforcement measures have on maintaining food safety.

Another high-profile closure was La Belle Monique Restaurant and Bakery at 937 State Road 7 in Plantation. On November 18, inspectors cited 11 violations, leading to a temporary closure. A follow-up the next day found just one remaining infraction, and the restaurant was granted additional time to fully address the issue. La Belle Monique has a documented history of closures, including a September 2025 closure for 21 violations and prior shutdowns in 2021 and 2024. The repeated infractions underscore ongoing compliance challenges within the restaurant.

Don Rodone, located at 3383 Sheridan Street in Hollywood, was closed for a day on November 5 after inspectors identified 11 violations. Grace of God Restaurant at 360 S State Road 7 in Margate also faced a temporary shutdown on November 4 with nine violations before reopening on November 6 after two follow-up inspections. These temporary closures, while disruptive to operations, play a vital role in protecting the public from unsafe dining conditions.

Restaurants with the Highest Number of Violations

Among restaurants that remained open, Bel-Air Restaurant and Lounge at 8120 Pines Boulevard in Pembroke Pines recorded the highest number of violations in November 2025, with 21 documented infractions on November 5. State officials recommended an administrative complaint. Similarly, Lester’s Diner at 1924 E Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach received 20 violations on November 4, with a recommendation for an administrative complaint.

Read also: Florida Department of Corrections makes major strides in public safety through innovation and accountability in 2025

Other establishments with a significant number of violations included Ten Ten Seafood & Grill in Sunrise (19 violations), Island Vybz Fusion Grill 2 LLC in Lauderdale Lakes (19 violations), Big Louies Pizzeria Cypress Creek in Fort Lauderdale (18 violations), and Serious Dumplings in Coral Springs (18 violations). The Palace Cuisine of India in Davie and Sterling Event Hall in Oakland Park each received 17 violations, highlighting the widespread nature of noncompliance across different types of dining establishments.

Chow Time Grill & Buffet, which led the closures list, appears again in the violations ranking with 16 infractions, emphasizing the severity of the issues noted during inspections. Restaurants like Grio Express in Fort Lauderdale and La Union Restaurant of Florida in Margate also recorded 16 violations each, while Pita Shop in Miramar and Carvel and Blimpie in Fort Lauderdale tied at 16 infractions.

This list continues with Jin Sushi in Sunrise and Vicky Bakery in Plantation, each cited for 15 violations. Several other restaurants, including Abby’s in Cooper City, Serious Dumplings in Plantation, Crisp N Grill in Pompano Beach, and Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria in Fort Lauderdale, all recorded 14 to 15 infractions. These numbers illustrate that multiple restaurants across Broward County are struggling to maintain consistent health and safety practices.

The Broader Implications of Food Safety Violations

Food safety is critical in a county like Broward, which has a projected population of over 2 million residents in 2025. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Population Estimates Program, the county’s population was 2,037,472, and it is expected to reach 2,072,759 by 2025, assuming an annual growth rate of 1.7 percent. With a growing population, ensuring that restaurants maintain high standards becomes increasingly important for public health. Unsafe practices in restaurants can have far-reaching consequences, including foodborne illnesses, public health scares, and loss of trust in local establishments.

Read also: Broward Sheriff’s Office investigates fatal shooting of 16-year-old boy in Tamarac on New Year’s Eve

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation plays a vital role in monitoring compliance through inspections, administrative complaints, and, when necessary, temporary closures. These measures are designed not only to address immediate threats but also to encourage long-term improvements in food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.

Common Violations Across Restaurants

The violations documented in November 2025 inspections include a range of issues, some of which are repeated across multiple establishments. Improper food temperature control is a frequent concern, with some restaurants failing to maintain cooked foods at safe temperatures or neglecting to store raw ingredients correctly. Pest infestations, particularly roaches and live insects, were identified in several establishments, posing a direct risk to food safety.

Sanitation issues were also widespread, including improperly cleaned surfaces, inadequate handwashing practices, and lack of proper food storage. While some of these violations may seem minor individually, the cumulative effect of multiple infractions can significantly compromise the safety of food served to the public.

The Role of Follow-Up Inspections

Follow-up inspections are a critical part of the regulatory framework. In November, 102 restaurants required additional reviews after failing to meet standards initially. These inspections ensure that restaurants take corrective action and maintain compliance, reinforcing the importance of accountability in the foodservice industry. Restaurants such as Chow Time Grill & Buffet, La Belle Monique, Don Rodone, and Grace of God Restaurant illustrate how follow-up inspections can lead to improvements, allowing establishments to reopen safely after addressing violations.

Public Accountability and Transparency

The reporting of inspection results provides transparency for the public and helps consumers make informed decisions about where to dine. By publishing violations and administrative complaints, the state allows residents to weigh the safety record of an establishment before visiting. This transparency also encourages restaurants to prioritize compliance, as repeated violations can lead to closures, fines, or other administrative actions.

Detailed List of Restaurants with Most Violations

Among the 61 restaurants with the highest number of violations in Broward County, several were repeatedly cited. Bel-Air Restaurant and Lounge topped the list with 21 violations, followed by Lester’s Diner with 20. Ten Ten Seafood & Grill and Island Vybz Fusion Grill 2 LLC each had 19 violations, while Big Louies Pizzeria Cypress Creek and Serious Dumplings recorded 18. Other notable restaurants included The Palace Cuisine of India, Sterling Event Hall, Cha-Baa Thai & Japanese Restaurant, and Chow Time Grill & Buffet, all with 16 to 17 violations.

The list continues with Grio Express, La Union Restaurant of Florida, Pita Shop, Carvel and Blimpie, Jin Sushi, Vicky Bakery, Abby’s, Serious Dumplings (Plantation location), Crisp N Grill, and Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, all recording between 14 and 16 infractions. Restaurants with 13 or fewer violations included Sushi Sake, Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek, Baoshi, Happy Wings and Fried Rice, Khancuisine, Quates Mexican Restaurant Inc, and dozens of others across Broward County.

Conclusion

The November 2025 inspections underscore the importance of maintaining proper food safety and sanitation standards. With more than 2 million residents in Broward County and thousands of patrons visiting restaurants daily, adherence to health codes is essential. The inspections, temporary closures, and administrative actions serve as a reminder that restaurants must continuously prioritize food safety to protect public health and maintain community trust.

While most restaurants passed inspections without issue, the high number of violations in some establishments illustrates that challenges remain. Residents are encouraged to remain informed, consult inspection records, and support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to safety and cleanliness.

As Broward County continues to grow, the role of health and safety inspections becomes even more vital, helping ensure that every meal served meets the highest standards and that dining remains a safe, enjoyable experience for all residents and visitors alike.