Full Breakdown
Terra Restaurant Shuts Down After Vermin Found in Eataly’s Third-Floor Kitchen
8/16/2026, 8:16:15 PM
Core Event: Closure of Terra Restaurant
The Terra restaurant and bar, located on the third floor of the Eataly marketplace in San Jose, was ordered to close after the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health identified vermin in the kitchen area. The health department initiated a full-facility inspection after receiving a public complaint alleging rodent activity. While inspectors did not locate live rodents, they documented live and dead cockroaches in the food-preparation zone, prompting an immediate suspension of Terra’s health permit.
Inspection Findings
According to the department’s official inspection report, a live cockroach was observed crawling on the wall above the hand-wash sink, and additional dead cockroaches were discovered on the same wall in the preparation area. The report noted that the presence of these insects constituted a violation of sanitary standards, leading to the permit suspension.
Official Response and Next Steps
The restaurant’s manager told health inspectors that pest-control services had been performed the night before the inspection, the premises were thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and any potentially contaminated food was discarded. County officials indicated that Terra may reopen once it resolves all cited deficiencies and successfully passes a re-inspection. The department has not set a specific reopening timeline.
Context and Impact
The closure underscores the county’s enforcement of food-safety regulations in high-traffic commercial kitchens. Eataly, the larger marketplace that houses Terra, has not provided a comment to NBC Bay Area. Patrons seeking dining options at the venue are currently directed to other eateries within the complex while the health department completes its follow-up procedures.
