The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation recently released its restaurant health inspection results for Indian River County for the week of August 10 through August 16, 2026. While many local dining establishments demonstrated a commitment to cleanliness, the latest inspection sweep revealed a mix of perfect scores, numerous high-priority violations, and one temporary closure in the Sebastian area.
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a ‘snapshot’ of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection.
Indian River County Restaurants with Perfect Scores
Two Vero Beach establishments ultimately achieved perfect scores during this inspection period, with zero violations found during their successful follow-up inspections. The standout locations are:
- Baci Trattoria Incorporated, located at 1918 14 Ave, Vero Beach.
- Red Wok LLC, located at 737 22 St, Vero Beach.
Sebastian Restaurant Temporarily Closed
Inspectors ordered operations to stop at Khob Khun Thai Sushi, located at 13600 US Hwy 1 Ste 3 in Sebastian, following a routine inspection on August 11. The facility was cited for 22 total violations, seven of which were classified as high-priority. Key issues included the presence of small flying insects, a live roach found under the sushi bar, and significant evidence of rodent activity, with dozens of rodent droppings discovered near the sushi bar, side storage room, and kitchen. Additional high-priority violations included an ineffective dish machine sanitizer, improper separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods, and un-sanitized knives being returned to service.
High-Priority Violations in Vero Beach and Sebastian
Several other local restaurants received follow-up requirements due to high-priority violations, though they were not deemed an immediate threat requiring closure. Notable citations included:
- Azul Mexican Restaurant & Bar (Vero Beach): Cited for temperature control issues regarding salsa held in an ice bath.
- Jamaican Vibes Restaurant (Vero Beach): Issued a Stop Sale on time/temperature control food due to overnight temperature abuse in the cooler.
- Mama Hue (Vero Beach): Warned for a dish machine chlorine sanitizer failing to reach proper minimum strength.
- Mizu Hibachi (Vero Beach): Cited for utilizing nonfood-grade shopping bags to store raw chicken and improperly storing raw chicken over cooked noodles.
- Netties Roadside Restaurant (Vero Beach): Documented for live flying insects in the kitchen and raw shelled eggs stored over ready-to-eat hash browns.
- Oriente at Costa d’Este (Vero Beach): Issued a Stop Sale on food not in a wholesome condition and cited for an ineffective high-temperature dish machine.
- Tequila Azteca FL LLC (Vero Beach): Received a warning for keeping ready-to-eat cooked beef and chicken in the walk-in cooler past the seven-day limit.
- The Pelican Pub (Sebastian): Cited for operating without potable running water, though inspectors noted the city was actively switching the establishment from well and septic to city water.
- Wasabi Thai Sushi (Sebastian): Issued an administrative complaint and Stop Sale after inspectors found 39 oysters purchased from an unapproved local seafood market missing proper shell tags.
- Waterfall Restaurant (Vero Beach): Warned after one live roach was found on a prep table, alongside improper food separation and the use of nonfood-grade bags to store biscuits.
Reporting Restaurant Violations in Florida
Routine regulation of Florida’s food service industry is handled by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For residents and visitors dining in Vero Beach or the wider Treasure Coast, officials encourage vigilance. If you witness serious health or safety abuses at a local eatery, complaints can be filed directly with the DBPR by calling 850-487-1395.
