The Terra Restaurant and Bar on the third floor of Eataly in San Jose was ordered closed after Santa Clara County Environmental Health inspectors reported evidence of vermin during a complaint-driven investigation, officials said Friday.
Inspection followed public complaint
County inspectors opened an investigation after receiving a public complaint alleging the presence of rodents in the Eataly food facility. The inspection covered the entire food operation, officials said; although no live rodents were found during the visit, the officers documented signs of vermin contamination on the third floor where Terra operates.
The Department of Environmental Health Official Inspection Report noted the discovery of both live and dead cockroaches in the restaurant's kitchen and food-preparation areas. Inspectors took action by suspending the health permit for Terra Restaurant and Bar, effectively closing the dining operation until the facility resolves the violations and secures a reinspection.
"Found a live cockroach crawling on the wall above the hand wash sink in the kitchen."
The report also recorded dead cockroaches in the same vicinity. County officials said the restaurant manager told inspectors that pest-control services had been performed the previous night, that the facility had been cleaned and sanitized, and that potentially contaminated food was discarded.
What inspectors documented and next steps
County guidance requires establishments with suspended permits to correct the items listed in the inspection report and request a reinspection before resuming food service. In this case, the Department of Environmental Health said Terra will remain closed until inspectors confirm all violations are resolved.
- Allegation: Public complaint alleging rodents at Eataly
- Inspection finding: Live cockroach and dead cockroaches on the third floor (kitchen/food prep area)
- Immediate action: Health permit for Terra Restaurant and Bar suspended
- Restaurant response: Manager reported pest control, cleaning/sanitizing and disposal of potentially contaminated food
- Next step: Reinspection required before reopening
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Facility | Eataly — Terra Restaurant and Bar (3rd floor) |
| Inspection trigger | Public complaint alleging rodents |
| Findings | Live cockroach; dead cockroaches in food prep/kitchen area |
| Action taken | Health permit suspended; remediation and reinspection required |
NBC Bay Area reported that Eataly had not responded to requests for comment. The county did not provide a timeline for when the restaurant might be eligible to reopen; that depends on the outcome of required corrective actions and a follow-up inspection.
Local context and implications
The closure underscores the role of routine and complaint-driven health inspections in protecting public safety at high-traffic dining venues. Eataly, a multi-level marketplace combining retail and multiple dining concepts, draws both local residents and visitors to downtown San Jose. An enforcement action affecting any operator within that complex can affect employees, suppliers and customers who dine or shop there.
For diners, health-permit suspensions are intended to prevent possible exposure to contaminants and to ensure operators correct conditions that could facilitate pest infestations or other food-safety hazards. For businesses, a suspended permit can damage reputation and revenue until the establishment satisfies county requirements and demonstrates sustained compliance.
Santa Clara County Environmental Health maintains inspection records and posts enforcement actions to inform the public. Customers who have recently dined at Terra or other Eataly outlets and have health concerns are advised to contact the county or consult their health care provider as needed.
The restaurant manager informed inspectors that pest control work had been completed and contaminated food discarded; inspectors will need to verify that sanitation and structural measures are sufficient to prevent recurrence before the suspension would be lifted.
The county’s next reinspection will determine whether Terra meets the standards required to safely resume operations.
