CAFE ZELLA
1531 WILSHIRE BLVD # A, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 · RESTAURANT (0-30) SEATS HIGH RISK
Inspection summary
CAFE ZELLA has been inspected 3 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since April 16, 2024. The most recent inspection, on March 23, 2026, recorded 6 infractions.
None of the 3 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.
What these findings mean
Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.
Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk
Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.
Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2026. For example:
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES: CLEAN AND SANITIZED
PestsHigher risk
Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.
Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2026. For example:
NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT
Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk
Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.
Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2026. For example:
PLUMBING: FIXTURES, BACKFLOW DEVICE, DRAINAGE
Equipment and utensilsLower risk
Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.
Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2026. For example:
EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY
About this data
These results come from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.
3 inspections
- ROUTINE INSPECTION
6 infractions
- F136: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY
- 1 point
- F141: PLUMBING: FIXTURES, BACKFLOW DEVICE, DRAINAGE
- 1 point
- F115: FOOD CONTACT SURFACES: CLEAN AND SANITIZED
- 4 points
- F137: EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS AND LINENS: STORAGE AND USE
- 1 point
- F145: FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN
- 1 point
- F124: NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT
- 2 points
- F136: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY
- ROUTINE INSPECTION
5 infractions
- F039: # 39. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED AND STORED
- 1 point
- F014: # 14. FOOD CONTACT SURFACES: CLEAN AND SANITIZED
- 2 points
- F043: # 43. PREMISES; PERSONAL/CLEANING ITEMS; VERMIN-PROOFING
- 1 point
- F047: # 48. PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED FOR NEW OR REMODEL CONSTRUCTION
- F035: # 35. EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS - APPROVED; INSTALLED; CLEAN; GOOD REPAIR, CAPACITY
- 1 point
- F039: # 39. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED AND STORED
- ROUTINE INSPECTION
1 infraction
- F040: # 40. PLUMBING: PLUMBING IN GOOD REPAIR, PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
- 1 point
- F040: # 40. PLUMBING: PLUMBING IN GOOD REPAIR, PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
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