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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

O'Saraceno

284 Hanover St

Last inspected Sep 22, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Failed (extension granted)
Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

Inspection

Sep 22, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

11 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to review and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed clean tray of dishes stored on stairway. Discontinue & store ad discussed.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Several containers of prepped foods observed missing date marking. Provide date marking to all prior to storing

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 590.004/4-101.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed kitchen shelvings line up with alumminum foil. Discontinue.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide sanitizer non rinse detergent for the 2 bay sink on site. Provide

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
criticalCode 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

Low temp dishwasher on site observed not dispensing sanitizer 00ppm. Repair to dispense per regulation

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed without a service sink. No space to install a service sink observed. Provided variance request form to the operator while on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-204.12-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Device Location (C)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed without a food prep sink. No space to install a food prep sink observed. All produce gets washed in the 2 bay sink Provided variance request form to the operator while on site

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed without a food prep sink. No space to install a food prep sink observed. All produce gets washed in the 2 bay sink Provided variance request form to the operator while on site

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor in the basement area observed in need of cleaning due to visible loose debris. Clean to remove

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back door observed missing effective door sweep / large gap observed. Provide to prevent pest access.

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, Sep 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 26, 2026

Failed

10 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to review and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed clean tray of dishes stored on stairway. Discontinue & store ad discussed.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Several containers of prepped foods observed missing date marking. Provide date marking to all prior to storing

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 590.004/4-101.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed kitchen shelvings line up with alumminum foil. Discontinue.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide sanitizer non rinse detergent for the 2 bay sink on site. Provide

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
criticalCode 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

Low temp dishwasher on site observed not dispensing sanitizer 00ppm. Repair to dispense per regulation

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed without a service sink. No space to install a service sink observed. Provided variance request form to the operator while on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed without a food prep sink. No space to install a food prep sink observed. All produce gets washed in the 2 bay sink Provided variance request form to the operator while on site

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor in the basement area observed in need of cleaning due to visible loose debris. Clean to remove

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back door observed missing effective door sweep / large gap observed. Provide to prevent pest access.

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, Aug 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 3, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 3, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 9, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

Inspection

Oct 2, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ask pest control company for more details [ in writing with the IPM report ] on the corrective action plan moving forward

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 2, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 25, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

7 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Replace all compromised cutting boards on the prep tables and the counter top refrigeration units as there are deep lacerations that appear uncleanable

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean vents in the hood system from all visible excess grease and grime

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
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

Replace the missing barrier that used to be covering the slop sink location -clean to remove all obnoxious odors

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-501.15-COther

Official wording

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Keep the lids tightly closed on all trash receptacles in the alley - clean to remove all visible loose trash and debris

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the kitchen floors especially underneath all the equipment under the cooking line as well as by the rear entrance to the alleyway from all visible food spills stains and soils

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rodent droppings noted in the "shared" alleyway behind the restaurant - address with pest control company -recommending to contact neighboring businesses so everyone is on the same page

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ask pest control company for more details [ in writing with the IPM report ] on the corrective action plan moving forward

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 25, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 17, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Replace all compromised cutting boards on the prep tables and the counter top refrigeration units as there are deep lacerations that appear uncleanable

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean vents in the hood system from all visible excess grease and grime

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
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

Replace the missing barrier that used to be covering the slop sink location -clean to remove all obnoxious odors

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-501.15-COther

Official wording

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Keep the lids tightly closed on all trash receptacles in the alley - clean to remove all visible loose trash and debris

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the kitchen floors especially underneath all the equipment under the cooking line as well as by the rear entrance to the alleyway from all visible food spills stains and soils

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rodent droppings noted in the "shared" alleyway behind the restaurant - address with pest control company -recommending to contact neighboring businesses so everyone is on the same page

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 17, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 2, 2024

Report filed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints while working with foods

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(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Post copies of both your 2024 Health permit along with the current food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site as we discussed during inspection

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all utensils being used to dispense condiments have a proper shandle on the ends to minimize potential bare hand contact

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 2, 2024 · Original Source

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