Restaurant Inspection Checklist Template | Free Download

Restaurant inspection checklist

Prepare for health department visits with confidence by implementing this restaurant inspection checklist. It tackles critical inspection areas, from food safety practices to facility maintenance.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, restaurants are less likely to have major violations when they have kitchen managers with a food safety certification. This template is built to help you conduct regular self-inspections and spot possible issues. Use it to train staff on what inspectors look for, such as proper food storage temperatures and cross-contamination prevention, ensuring your establishment maintains compliance and protects customer health.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Page 1

Facility Exterior

Parking lot and entrance free of debris/hazards

Building exterior in good condition

Outdoor dining area clean and organized

Proper signage and address visible

Dumpsters/garbage area clean and secured

Dining Room

Tables, chairs, floors clean and in good repair

Menus free of damage/stains

Lighting adequate and functioning

Ventilation/airflow adequate

Overall cleanliness and organization

Food Preparation

Handwashing sinks properly stocked and accessible

Food contact surfaces clean and sanitized

Proper food storage temperatures maintained

Cross-contamination prevention practices in place

Staff following safe food handling procedures

Restrooms

Toilets, sinks, floors clean and in working order

Soap, paper towels, and hand dryers available

Ventilation adequate

Trash cans emptied and clean

Employee Areas

Locker rooms/areas clean and organized

Break rooms/areas clean and stocked

Staff adhering to personal hygiene policies

First aid kit and fire extinguisher accessible

Frequently asked questions

Who should be responsible for completing the restaurant inspection checklist?

Ideally, your kitchen manager or shift supervisor should complete the checklist regularly, but occasionally have different staff members conduct inspections for fresh perspectives. This cross-training helps everyone understand inspection standards and creates shared responsibility for maintaining compliance throughout your establishment.

What are the most critical sections of the restaurant inspection checklist to focus on?

Focus most intensely on food preparation, such as temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and employee hygiene practices. Health inspectors prioritize these areas because they directly impact foodborne illness risk. Address any “No” answers for these immediately.

How can you improve compliance scores using this restaurant inspection checklist?

Use this checklist to create targeted training for areas where you consistently score poorly. Take photos of proper setups as visual guides, assign specific staff members to monitor trouble spots, and conduct surprise mini-inspections focusing only on previously identified problem areas.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.