GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Contessa

15 Arlington St

Last inspected May 8, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Passed

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Contessa has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

12 inspections

Inspection

May 8, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dishmachine in the warewash area (W) 138F (R) 194F- Ran it a few times and the numbers were different each time on the ecolab machine. Gauges on the machine are not working. Repair gauges. Irreversible thermometer- 160F

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 8, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 1, 2026

Failed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dishmachine in the warewash area (W) 138F (R) 194F- Ran it a few times and the numbers were different each time on the ecolab machine. Gauges on the machine are not working. Repair gauges. Irreversible thermometer- 160F

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 1, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 16, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cream & tomato sauce 46F. Product made one day prior was voluntarily discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walk in cooler wall with peeling missing paint. Clean and resurface.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 16, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 9, 2025

Failed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cream & tomato sauce 46F. Product made one day prior was voluntarily discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walk in cooler wall with peeling missing paint. Clean and resurface.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 23, 2024

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-303.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Prohibition-Jewelry (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food employee with wrist watch expeditor with bracelet dragging on surfaces. Remove.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food employee with no hair restraint. Provide.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Raw Oysters missing reminder (*) Provide.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Allergen statement missing on menu. Provide. Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 23, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 15, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-303.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Prohibition-Jewelry (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food employee with wrist watch expeditor with bracelet dragging on surfaces. Remove.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food employee with no hair restraint. Provide.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Raw Oysters missing reminder (*) Provide.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Allergen statement missing on menu. Provide. Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 15, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 15, 2024

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Pizza oven site of previous fire has been walled off and sealed behind a door and cleanable surfaces. Make all necessary repairs. Contact health division prior to any equipment changes submit plans and equipment spec sheets for review to isdhealth@boston.gov.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 15, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 11, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Pizza oven site of previous fire has been walled off and sealed behind a door and cleanable surfaces. Make all necessary repairs. Contact health division prior to any equipment changes submit plans and equipment spec sheets for review to isdhealth@boston.gov.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 11, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 16, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a food employee handling ready to eat foods with bare hands. Product voluntarily discarded. Food worker washed hands and donned gloves and returned to work. Corrected on site.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Peeling paint near wall outside walkin freezer. Clean and seal. Exposed putty unfinished around pipes and in hole that was filled. Seal with cleanable materials. Walkin freezer floor insecure repair.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Pizza oven site of previous fire has been walled off and sealed behind a door and cleanable surfaces. Make all necessary repairs. Contact health division prior to any equipment changes submit plans and equipment spec sheets for review to isdhealth@boston.gov.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Menu missing allergen statement. Provide. Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 8, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a food employee handling ready to eat foods with bare hands. Product voluntarily discarded. Food worker washed hands and donned gloves and returned to work. Corrected on site.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Peeling paint near wall outside walkin freezer. Clean and seal. Exposed putty unfinished around pipes and in hole that was filled. Seal with cleanable materials. Walkin freezer floor insecure repair.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Pizza oven site of previous fire has been walled off and sealed behind a door and cleanable surfaces. Make all necessary repairs. Contact health division prior to any equipment changes submit plans and equipment spec sheets for review to isdhealth@boston.gov.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Menu missing allergen statement. Provide. Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 8, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 18, 2023

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Replace all damaged ceiling tiles.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean and sanitize all effected kitchen equiptment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean and sanitize all floors walls and ceilings.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in establishment from Pizza oven. Discontine operations.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 18, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 6, 2023

Voluntarily closed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean and sanitize all effected kitchen equiptment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean and sanitize all floors walls and ceilings.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Replace all damaged ceiling tiles.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in establishment from Pizza oven. Discontine operations.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 6, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby