Inspection
Sep 23, 2026
Not required
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source
Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA
Zen Restaurant
21 Beacon St
Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Not required
Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
13 inspectionsInspection
Aug 13, 2026
Passed
4 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.13-CEquipment and utensils
Official wording
Linens and Napkins Use Limitations (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted linen being used in direct contact with food.Discontinue
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted broke light bulb in the exhaust hood.Repair
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted grease on the floor behind the equipment on the cookline.Clean Clean behind the dish machine on the 1st floor near the 3 bay sink.
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 problemscriticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals
Official wording
Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)
Inspector’s notes
Noted quat sanitizer in the red bucket measured with the strip at 1000PPM.Retrain staff to measure the correct amount water to chemical ratio follow the recomended direction on the sanitizer container
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 unsafelyOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 13, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Jul 22, 2026
Failed
4 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.13-CEquipment and utensils
Official wording
Linens and Napkins Use Limitations (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted linen being used in direct contact with food.Discontinue
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted broke light bulb in the exhaust hood.Repair
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted grease on the floor behind the equipment on the cookline.Clean Clean behind the dish machine on the 1st floor near the 3 bay sink.
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 problemscriticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals
Official wording
Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)
Inspector’s notes
Noted quat sanitizer in the red bucket measured with the strip at 1000PPM.Retrain staff to measure the correct amount water to chemical ratio follow the recomended direction on the sanitizer container
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 unsafelyOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 22, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 2, 2026
Passed
5 recorded violations
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the dry storage/behind the equipment on the cookline/upstais in the bar area.Clean with frequency and provide detail pest report.
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 insectsminorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted several unnecessary items in the storage area behind the restroom on the 2nd floor.Remove and provide access for the pest technician for treatment
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Inspector’s notes
Heavy grease build up on the ceiling tiles in the kitchen area.Clean
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 problemsmajorCode 590.008/8-103.12-PFOther
Official wording
Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted no records of the PH sushi rice maintained since 1/5/26.Provide
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther
Official wording
(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the dry storage behind the restroom on the 2nd floor infestation of the pest activity and heavy grease build up causing imminent health hazard to the public.Provide detail pest report indicating no activity and clean all the grease buld up.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 2, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 30, 2026
Voluntarily closed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed soiled cloths on the counter.Discontinue and store in a sanitizer
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 problemsminorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination
Official wording
Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted several boxes stored on the floor.Remove all items and store 6 inches above the floor
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 contaminationmajorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Grease build up on the equipment on the cookline.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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther
Official wording
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide door sweep under the front door to prevent pest entry.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the dry storage/behind the equipment on the cookline/upstais in the bar area.Clean with frequency and provide detail pest report.
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 insectsminorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted several unnecessary items in the storage area behind the restroom on the 2nd floor.Remove and provide access for the pest technician for treatment
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Inspector’s notes
Heavy grease build up on the ceiling tiles in the kitchen area.Clean
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 problemsmajorCode 590.008/8-103.12-PFOther
Official wording
Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted no records of the PH sushi rice maintained since 1/5/26.Provide
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther
Official wording
(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the dry storage behind the restroom on the 2nd floor infestation of the pest activity and heavy grease build up causing imminent health hazard to the public.Provide detail pest report indicating no activity and clean all the grease buld up.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 30, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 28, 2026
Voluntarily closed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination
Official wording
Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted several boxes stored on the floor.Remove all items and store 6 inches above the floor
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 contaminationminorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed soiled cloths on the counter.Discontinue and store in a sanitizer
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 problemsmajorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Grease build up on the equipment on the cookline.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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther
Official wording
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide door sweep under the front door to prevent pest entry.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the dry storage/behind the equipment on the cookline/upstais in the bar area.Clean with frequency and provide detail pest report.
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 insectsminorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted several unnecessary items in the storage area.Remove and provide access for the pest technician
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Inspector’s notes
Noted heavy grease and food build up behind the equipment on the cookline.Clean Heavy grease build up on the ceiling tiles in the kitchen area.Clean
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 problemsmajorCode 590.008/8-103.12-PFOther
Official wording
Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted no records of the PH sushi rice maintained since 1/5/26.Provide Provide updated parasite destruction letter from the seafood vendor. Provide the current lab test for the sushi rice.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther
Official wording
(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Noted rat droppings in the back dry storage and several area in the establishment infestation of the pest activity and heavy grease build up causing imminent health hazard to the public.Provide detail pest report indicating no activity and clean all the grease buld up.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 28, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 24, 2025
Passed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
Filters with grease and carbon build up clean to remove
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 24, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 14, 2025
Failed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
Filters with grease and carbon build up clean to remove
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 14, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 13, 2025
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 13, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 31, 2024
Not required
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 31, 2024
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 12, 2024
Passed
2 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
Interior of toaster oven with carbon build up 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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hood Baffles with grease build up clean to remove
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 12, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 31, 2024
Failed
2 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
Interior of toaster oven with carbon build up 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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hood Baffles with grease build up clean to remove
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 31, 2024 · Original Source