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Darbar Indian Cuisine

Other food place · Palo Alto, CA

4 inspections

At a glance

CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results

What happened?

5 problems found · Routine county inspection · Aug 24, 2026

Is that a lot?

Most food places here got 2 to 15 points taken off. Darbar Indian Cuisine got about the same as most.

Compared with 9,600 Santa Clara County food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.

What was found out about Darbar Indian Cuisine?

It's fair to care about this. Here's what the county found. Tap any item to see how a kitchen fixes it.

  1. Shelves and surfaces need cleaning K33How to fixFix it
  2. Equipment in poor repair K35How to fixFix it
  3. No hot or cold water at a sink K21How to fixFix it

See all 5 items ↓

Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

We review Santa Clara County health data to make this report. We are not the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health.

Which one are you?

For Darbar Indian Cuisine's team

Is this your place?

Welcome, Darbar Indian Cuisine. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Darbar Indian Cuisine first; we check that you run it.

Your whole team can help. Each person gets one next step, and everyone can see what's done.

This is my place: claim Darbar Indian Cuisine

We'll help you get every item done. You don't have to do it alone.

We know an inspection can feel heavy, especially when it's busy.

  1. Fix it together

    Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.

  2. Log it

    Your team logs the fix on their phones, with the time and who did it.

  3. Show what you did

    Saying what you fixed, in your own words, builds trust. Families and regulars respect a kitchen that owns it and fixes it.

Each fix step comes from the rule it names: Food Code 3-305.11, Food Code 2-301.15, Food Code 6-501.112, Food Code 4-603.16.

Try it yourself

Fix and log it: Food on the floor or under drips

A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.

0 of 3 done

Where food may never be stored

From Food Code 3-305.11

Logged

That's one done. We'll be here for the next.

What people see now

Today, people see the department's words and nothing from you.

What people see after you fix and log it

Example reply

CleanCleaverBusiness reply

Your business replied to this with the public statement:

We fixed this the same day. Now our team logs it on their phones at open and close.

The date of your reply

This is not an official update to the health inspection report. The county's record is unchanged.

Most kitchens get something cited at some point. What people remember is that you fixed it.

Want to join the restaurants in Santa Clara County that keep their kitchens clean and put their guests' health first?

Claim Darbar Indian Cuisine

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Replies are part of a paid plan. We read each one before it goes up. You can take it down any time. Only the department can change its record.

Do you work there, and someone else owns it? I work there

What people see next

Under each item here, people see what you fixed, in your words.

Left alone, or fixed together

Left alone, the same items can come back at the next inspection. Fixed together, they're done.

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CleanCleaver puts these same items on your team's phones, with the rule beside each one. Your binder is ready when the inspector is.

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Inspections

From County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health · 4 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026

The county visited once in the last 12 months (1 routine).

Fewer points taken off than last time (77 → 12). That takes a team.

Points taken off at each routine inspection
Dec 9, 2024: 15Jun 30, 2025: 77Aug 24, 2026: 12Follow-up visit, Jul 2, 202515771220242026

Every visit

  1. LatestAug 24, 2026Routine inspection88 out of 100 (Green placard)

    This one: 88 out of 100 (Green placard), inspected Aug 24, 2026.

    5 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (5)

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning

      The department's words

      K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean

      Observed the build-up of dust and debris on the hood filters above the tandoori ovens. [CA] Clean hood filters as needed to prevent the build-up of debris. Observed the build-up of food debris behind storage shelving in the dry storage area. [CA] Floor surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

      Food Code 4-602.13

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom

      Shelves, handles and outsides of equipment clean

      In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Darbar Indian Cuisine? Fix it

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

      Observed the use of bricks and wood to elevate the shelving within the dry storage room and pipes below the warewashing area. [CA] Discontinue the use of wood and bricks to elevate equipment. Use approved legs or casters. Observed the re-use of single use garlic, yogurt, etc, containers. [CA] Food containers intended for single use shall not be reused.

      Food Code 4-101.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken

      Equipment in good repair

      In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Darbar Indian Cuisine? Fix it

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K21 Hot and cold water available

      The front dump sink at the waiter station lacks a supply of hot water. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at handwash sinks.

      Food Code 5-103.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures

      Hot and cold water at every sink

      In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Darbar Indian Cuisine? Fix it

    • Food on the floor or under drips

      The department's words

      K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified

      Chicken boxes stored on the floor of the kitchen. [CA] Food shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent contamination.

      Food Code 3-305.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      Where food may never be stored

      • Keep food at least 6 inches off the floor.
      • Never in restrooms, locker or dressing rooms, garbage rooms, or mechanical rooms (furnace, water heater, electrical).
      • Never under stairs, or under sewer lines, leaking water lines or fire sprinkler lines.

      From Food Code 3-305.11

      Top to bottom

      3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Fridge and freezer storage order

      The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Darbar Indian Cuisine? Fix it

    • Cooked food not cooled in time

      The department's words

      K09 Proper cooling methods

      Measured curry at 56 F within two large plastic containers stored within the 3 door upright refrigerator. Cook stated that the curry was removed from cooking 3 hours prior. Measured cooked vegetables at 93 F within a deep lexan container. Cook stated the dish was removed from cooking 1.5 hours prior. [CA] After heating or hot holding, Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool. [COS] Ice wand added to the curry. Cooked vegetables placed within shallow metal containers to allow for rapid cooling.

      Food Code 3-501.14

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      If you miss a stage

      • Missed stage 1 (not 70°F by 2 hours): reheat to 165°F and start over, or throw it out.
      • Missed stage 2 (not 41°F by 6 hours): throw it out.

      How to cool fast

      3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Cooling food in two stages

      The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Darbar Indian Cuisine? Fix it

  2. EarlierJul 2, 2025Follow-up inspectionGreen placard

    No notes were taken, but there was an interaction, likely addressing some or all of the prior report. No inspector comment was found. See the official report (opens the department's site) for more information.

  3. EarlierJun 30, 2025Routine inspection23 out of 100 (Red placard)

    22 violations listed, 5 marked critical.

    Critical (5)

    • Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

      Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

      Only hand sink in the kitchen observed to be completely obstructed and thus completely unusable owing to the following: - Large counter unit + trash can in front blocking access - Cardboard box placed directly on top of the sink basin, thus preventing use [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be left unobstructed so that they are available for use at all times. [COS] PIC removed obstructions.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

    • Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

      Hot food below 135°F

      The department's words

      K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

      In the upper inserts of the prep unit: Orange sauce measured 55F, cut tomatoes measured 60F, and dark sauce (bidalov) measured 52F. Per the PIC, they had been in cold holding since 9:00 AM this morning (> 4 hours at time of inspection). [CA] Potentially hazardous food shall be held at or below 41F. [COS] Orange sauce, cut tomatoes, and dark sauce (bidalov) were VC&D. See VC&D report.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

    • Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

      Cooked food not cooled in time

      The department's words

      K09 Proper cooling methods

      In the 2 door upright reach in near the back-screen door: Mint sauce observed to be cooling in a 5 gallon plastic bucket. Mint sauce measured 51F. Per the PIC, sauce had been cooling since yesterday. [CA] After heating or hot holding, Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool. Properly cool PHF's using shallow containers, using no more than 2 inches for solid foods and no more than 3 inches for liquids. Cool foods using approved containers which facilitate heat transfer, such as metal. [COS] Mint sauce was VC&D owing to improper cooling. See VC&D report.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

    • Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

      Pests seen inside: roaches

      The department's words

      K23 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

      1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas - 2+ live roaches in electrical outlet socket in food storage area - 1 dead roach in the food storage area, underneath shelving units - 1 live nymph on the cover of a food storage container in the food storage area - 5+ dead roaches in a sticky trap behind the door to the kitchen - 1 live roach on top of a sticky trap behind the door to the kitchen - 2 dead roaches underneath the 3 compartment sink - 3+ live roaches (2 nymphs) behind the shelving - 1 live nymph and 2 live adults on the wires underneath the prep unit across from the cook-line - 5+ live roaches in the wiring where there is a rectangular opening in the prep unit - 1 live roach on a tray next to the dump sink - 1 dead roach in the sticky trap in the women's restroom 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified. 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, [name], has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

    • Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

      Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right

      The department's words

      K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

      Dishwashing machine chlorine concentration measured 0 ppm. [CA] Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished via contact with 50 ppm chlorine for 15 seconds. [COS] Employees were instructed to use bleach (chlorine) as a sanitizing step after running utensils through the dishwasher. __________ Minor violation: Brown buildup on the back wall of ice machine. [CA] Clean and sanitize regularly to prevent buildup and potential contamination of ice.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

    Not critical (17)

    • Food thawed the wrong way

      The department's words

      K26 Approved thawing methods used; frozen food

      In the prep sink: Frozen chicken observed to be thawing. Chicken measured 39F. [CA] Frozen potentially hazardous food shall only be thawed in one of the following ways: 1) under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F or below, 2) completely submerged under potable running water for a period not to exceed two hours at a water temperature of 70°F or below, and with sufficient water velocity to agitate and flush off loose particles into the sink drain, 3) in a microwave oven if immediately followed by immediate preparation, 4) as part of a cooking process.

    • Consumer self service does prevent contamination

      The department's words

      K31 Consumer self service does prevent contamination

      At the consumer self-service buffet: Sneeze guards are too high to prevent potential contamination of food dish. [CA] Food available for consumer self-service shall be protected from potential airborne contamination.

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

      Cardboard is being used to line the floor in front of the cook line. [CA] Discontinue the use of cardboard to line the floor. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be smooth, cleanable, and nonabsorbent.

    • Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food

      The department's words

      K27 Food separated and protected

      In the storage room: Observed 4+ containers of powder with lids partially off. [CA] Food shall be kept covered to prevent potential contamination. This is especially important owing to the presence of cockroaches inside the facility.

    • Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food

      The department's words

      K29 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

      Chemicals are being stored above the dishwashing area. [CA] Store chemicals separate and away from the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces and linens.

    Show 12 more
    • Garbage uncovered or not taken out

      The department's words

      K42 Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

      Two cans of garbage, stacked on top of one another, are being stored in the facility. Upper garbage can is stored over a food preparation area. [CA] Store garbage outside of facility. Garbage shall not be stored above or adjacent to food, or food preparation surfaces.

    • Time as a control not marked or logged

      The department's words

      K08 Time as a public health control; procedures & records

      Written procedures for TPHC are not available. [CA] Provide written procedures and time marking for PHFs utilizing time as a public health control (TPHC).

    • Restroom not stocked or needs cleaning

      The department's words

      K43 Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

      Toilet paper rolls are being stored outside of dispensers in the restroom. [CA] Toilet paper rolls shall be stored inside dispensers to prevent potential contamination.

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

      Observed broken tiles in the following locations: - Food storage room - Food prep area in front of the ice machine Observed chipped/loose caulking where the wall meets the dishwashing sink [CA] Repair floor tiles and caulking so that they are smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable, and so that they do not provide potential harborage for vermin. Observed general buildup of food in the following locations: - On the wall behind the 2 compartment sink - On the floor underneath the prep unit [CA] Repair the wall with a durable, smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable surface. In the ceiling of the storage room: Observed hole to the attic, in which various items are being stored. [CA] Cover opening to the attic and discontinue storage of items in the aforementioned space.

    • No person in charge on duty

      The department's words

      K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

      Employees were not aware of proper cooling thresholds (time/temperature) and correct sanitizer concentrations as it relates to dishwashing. [CA] All food employees shall have adequate knowledge of, and shall be properly trained in, food safety as it relates to their assigned duties.

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning

      The department's words

      K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean

      In the bathroom, ventilation fan is dirty. [CA] Ventilation shall be kept clean.

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

      In the storage room: Observed multiple single-use milk/yogurt containers being reused to store food. [CA] Discontinue the utilization of single-use, non food-grade containers. The following refrigeration unit gaskets are in disrepair: - 2 door unit in the storage room - both sides of the prep cooler unit across from the cook-line [CA] Repair/replace gaskets so that they are able to provide adequate sealing for refrigeration units.

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K21 Hot and cold water available

      In the front area adjacent to the coffeemaker: Dump sink is capable of outputting water at 56F. [CA] Dump sink shall be capable of outputting water at 120F.

    • Food on the floor or under drips

      The department's words

      K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified

      A container of rice is being stored on the floor in the food storage room. [CA] Food shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent contamination.

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

      In the storage room: Observed multiple jackets hanging over food. [CA] No person shall store clothing or personal effects in any area used for the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces. Store jackets in adjacent locker intended for storage of personal belongings. Observed gaps on the outside of screen that are > 1/4 inch. [CA] Seal or replace screen to prevent the intrusion of vermin. Large number of unused cardboard boxes stored throughout the kitchen area/storage room. [CA] Equipment that is not in use shall be removed from the premises to prevent the potential harborage of vermin.

    • Signs posted; last inspection report available

      The department's words

      K47 Signs posted; last inspection report available

      Restroom is missing a sign over hand sink stating that "Employees must wash hands prior to returning to work". [CA] A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be posted at all handwashing stations used by food employees.

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K40 Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

      Observed multiple soiled wiping cloths on counters. [CA] Dry or wet cloths that are used with raw foods of animal origin shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes, and wet cloths used with raw foods of animal origin shall be kept in a separate sanitizing solution.

  4. EarlierDec 9, 2024Routine inspection85 out of 100 (Green placard)

    7 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (7)

    • Hood filters need cleaning

      The department's words

      K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

      The tandoor oven at the cook line extends past the ventilation hood. [CA] There shall be a minimum of 6 inches overhang of ventilation hood over cooking equipment.

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

      Observed personal jackets stored on bulk food containers within the dry storage room. [CA] Employee's personal effects (cell phone, car keys, and jackets) shall be stored in employee lockers or other designated areas for employee storage.

    • Consumer self service does prevent contamination

      The department's words

      K31 Consumer self service does prevent contamination

      Food at the buffet line extends past the sneeze guards. [CA] Rearrange food so that it is fully covered by the sneeze guards. Food on display shall be protected from cross-contamination, by the use of an approved sneeze guard that intercept a direct line between the consumer's mouth and the food being displayed.

    • Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

      The hand wash sink was partially blocked by a food preparation table. [CA] Handwashing facility shall be clean, unobstructed, and fully accessible at all times. Relocate food preparation table.

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

      Observed bowls used to scoop dry product within bulk dry storage containers. [CA] Use approved utensils such as scoops or spoons with handles to ensure hands do not come in direct contact with food.

    Show 2 more
    • Food on the floor or under drips

      The department's words

      K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified

      Observed open bulk flour, rice, etc, bags stored within the dry storage room. [CA] Store open bulk foods in approved NSF containers with tight fitting lids.

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

      The floor tiles are in disrepair below cooking equipment at the cook line. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable.

Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health. This is the department's data, not CleanCleaver's. See the department's full record (opens the department's site)

What you can do

As a customer of Darbar Indian Cuisine, you can:

  1. Learn how these get fixed

    Free, step-by-step guides for each item.

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
    • Equipment in poor repair In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
    • No hot or cold water at a sink In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures
    • Food on the floor or under drips Read the free guide
    • Cooked food not cooled in time Read the free guide

    Open the steps here

  2. Let Darbar Indian Cuisine know

    Ask for the manager. Darbar Indian Cuisine can only fix what it knows about.

    The department lists no phone for this place.

  3. Share this page

  4. Use CleanCleaver at home

    Families clean together. Chores and food dates for everyone at home.

    See CleanCleaver for home

  5. Complain directly to the health department

    We are not the health department. You can report to them on their site. Report to County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (opens the department's site)

When regulars speak up kindly and kitchens fix things, the whole neighborhood eats well. Now you know what the inspector found, and what you can do about it.

Do you work at or run Darbar Indian Cuisine?

See the plan to fix each item and show what you did.

Address this

About this record

Opens the county's own page for this place.

Most people don't know what a normal result looks like for a place that's open every day. The ranges use each place's last routine inspection in this area. No other county is mixed in.

100 means the inspector found no problems. Santa Clara County takes points off for each problem. Big ones take off more.

The county posts a green, yellow or red placard after each inspection, and gives routine inspections a score. In the county's data, a routine inspection with no violations listed scored 100, and the score drops as violations are found. The county's page does not say which scores or findings give each color: ask the department.

Inspection type
Routine inspection
Result
88 out of 100 (Green placard)
Source
County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health

This is not an official ranking or grade. See the official source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (opens the department's site) .

Information on this page may be out of date. Check the original source to confirm.

Questions about Darbar Indian Cuisine

When was Darbar Indian Cuisine last inspected?

The county last inspected Darbar Indian Cuisine on Aug 24, 2026. It was a routine inspection.

What did the county find at Darbar Indian Cuisine?

The county listed 5 violations on Aug 24, 2026: Shelves and surfaces need cleaning; Equipment in poor repair; and No hot or cold water at a sink, and 2 more.

What does a critical item mean?

Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. On Aug 24, 2026, the county marked none as critical.