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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Serafina

237 Newbury St

Last inspected Apr 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Inspection

Apr 28, 2026

Report filed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide covered waste receptacles in all restrooms for sanitary products.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide handwashing signage in all restrooms.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Across from the prep sink at the curved wall the baseboard tiles are broken and seperating from the wall the salad sandwich cooler's top handle is broken; repair or replace the tiles and cooler handle.

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

Post signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request."

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, Apr 28, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 14, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked foods cooling in plastic containers: meat sauce 100F. Cooked foods covered in refrigerator: potato 72F chicken 82F. Spread out cooked foods in or on metal containers to allow for rapid cooling. Do not cover cooked foods until cooled to 41F. Foods cooked in past hour moved to shallow metal pans.

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
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

Interior chute of ice machine with black mold-like substance. Clean and sanitize regularly.

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

Soils and debris in floor drains under ice machine and at bar. Clean to avoid attracting pests.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Missing ceiling tiles in kitchen. Replace to prevent contamination.

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, Oct 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 7, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked foods cooling in plastic containers: meat sauce 100F. Cooked foods covered in refrigerator: potato 72F chicken 82F. Spread out cooked foods in or on metal containers to allow for rapid cooling. Do not cover cooked foods until cooled to 41F. Foods cooked in past hour moved to shallow metal pans.

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
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

Interior chute of ice machine with black mold-like substance. Clean and sanitize regularly.

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

Soils and debris in floor drains under ice machine and at bar. Clean to avoid attracting pests.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Missing ceiling tiles in kitchen. Replace to prevent contamination.

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, Oct 7, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 23, 2025

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sponges observed at warewashing. Discarded by PIC. Discontinue using sponges to wash food contact surfaces.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Slow drip under hand sink at pizza station. Repair as needed keep floor clean and dry.

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 23, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 18, 2024

Passed

6 recorded violations

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

Container of cooked garlic in oil without date marking. Prepped in past two days. Ensure prepped foods held over 24 hours are dated.

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
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shellfish tags undated for last piece sold. Date tags for last piece sold. Organize tags by month for easy trace back as needed.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris in floor drains at bar. Food and debris under dry goods shelves. Clean to avoid attracting pests.

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hot water faucet at warewashing leaks. Repair as needed.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling tiles missing in warewashing area. Replace to prevent contamination.

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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottle unlabeled. Label all chemicals to rpevent contamination.

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, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 11, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shellfish tags undated for last piece sold. Date tags for last piece sold. Organize tags by month for easy trace back as needed.

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 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Container of cooked garlic in oil without date marking. Prepped in past two days. Ensure prepped foods held over 24 hours are dated.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris in floor drains at bar. Food and debris under dry goods shelves. Clean to avoid attracting pests.

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hot water faucet at warewashing leaks. Repair as needed.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling tiles missing in warewashing area. Replace to prevent contamination.

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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottle unlabeled. Label all chemicals to rpevent contamination.

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 11, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 29, 2024

Passed

9 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Review cooling procedures with staff to ensure safe and rapid cooling.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No shellfish tags for mussels except for mussels on site. Maintain shellfish tags for 90 days after last piece sold. Date tags for when last piece is sold.

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 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Tomato sauce cooling in plastic container for one hour at 117F. Spread out in shallow metal pan- 60F after 30 minutes. Retrain staff to use shallow metal pans for cooling hot foods.

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
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

Cooked garlic in oil at cookline at 80F. Discarded by PIC. Garlic in oil must be held at 41F or below to prevent contamination.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Debris under bar and under shelves and behind freezers in dry storage. Clean to avoid attracting pests

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 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

Women's bathrooms without covered wase receptacles. Provide covered wate bins.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Staff observed garnishing pizza with fresh basil without gloves. basil disgarded before garnishing pizza. Ensure staff wear gloves when touching ready to eat foods.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.17-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Cleaning Agents (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar dish machine out of detergent. Corrected on site. Monitor chemicals replace as needed.

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 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar hand sink out of soap. Staff washing hands in kitchen. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 29, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 22, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Review cooling procedures with staff to ensure safe and rapid cooling.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No shellfish tags for mussels except for mussels on site. Maintain shellfish tags for 90 days after last piece sold. Date tags for when last piece is sold.

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
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

Cooked garlic in oil at cookline at 80F. Discarded by PIC. Garlic in oil must be held at 41F or below to prevent contamination.

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
majorCode 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Tomato sauce cooling in plastic container for one hour at 117F. Spread out in shallow metal pan- 60F after 30 minutes. Retrain staff to use shallow metal pans for cooling hot foods.

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
criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Staff observed garnishing pizza with fresh basil without gloves. basil disgarded before garnishing pizza. Ensure staff wear gloves when touching ready to eat foods.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.17-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Cleaning Agents (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar dish machine out of detergent. Corrected on site. Monitor chemicals replace as needed.

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

Debris under bar and under shelves and behind freezers in dry storage. Clean to avoid attracting pests

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 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

Women's bathrooms without covered wase receptacles. Provide covered wate bins.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar hand sink out of soap. Staff washing hands in kitchen. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 3, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 3, 2024 · Original Source

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