Italian Eatery Off Flushing Ave Closed For Mice, Pesticides

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — An Italian eatery off of Flushing Avenue was closed by health inspectors last week who found evidence of mice and other sanitary violations.

Il Porto Brick Oven Ristorante, on the corner of Flushing and Washington at 37 Washington Avenue, was given 55 violation points by inspectors from the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene during an inspection last Thursday, records show. Any score higher than 28 requires the department shut down the restaurant.

Inspectors found hot food kept below the required 140 degrees, evidence of mice or live mice, food that was not protected from contamination and food surfaces that were not properly being washed. They also discovered that the restaurant was not vermin-proof and that pesticides were being used not in accordance with labels or the law, records show.

Il Porto did not return a request for comment, but on Wednesday their website had a notice that the restaurant is "closed today until further notice."

The spot is known for pizza and other "Italian staples," a description online says. It otherwise is well liked by reviewers, receiving 4.5 out of five stars on Google reviews.