The Villa, a well-reviewed fixture on Escondido’s historic Grand Avenue, has been downgraded by San Diego County health officials following a recent routine inspection at 117 W Grand Ave. The restaurant remains open but is now operating with a lower health grade posted at the entrance, signaling that corrective actions are required before it can return to top marks.
The development is notable because The Villa has built a strong reputation among local diners, drawing more positive online feedback on platforms like Google and Yelp than several nearby peers. On busy evenings, its central location and steady word-of-mouth have made it a go-to stop downtown, which is part of why the downgrade is raising eyebrows among regulars who’ve come to expect a polished experience.
According to the county’s inspection findings, the downgrade stemmed from multiple violations that, while not rising to the level of an immediate closure, collectively pushed the score below an A. Issues cited included improper cold-holding temperatures in a prep unit, sanitizer solution that tested below required concentration, missing or incomplete date-marking on ready-to-eat items, and blocked handwashing access due to supplies stored in the sink area. Inspectors noted that some problems were addressed on the spot, but others require sustained fixes and staff retraining.
For San Diego County diners, this matters because the letter grade is more than a formality—it’s a quick snapshot of food safety practices behind the scenes. An A grade (90–100) indicates strong compliance; a B (80–89) means there were enough violations to warrant closer attention, even if the restaurant is allowed to continue operating. For a popular spot like The Villa, a downgrade can influence first-time visitors scanning grade cards and locals deciding where to book a table on Grand Avenue.
Management has indicated that they are working through the punch list: recalibrating or repairing refrigeration, tightening up temperature logs, refreshing date-marking protocols, and retraining staff on proper sanitizer use and keeping handwashing stations unobstructed. The county typically reinspects within weeks, and a prompt return to an A is common when operators move quickly and document their corrections.
If you’re planning a visit, look for the updated grade card posted near the front door and consider glancing at the most recent inspection report online—San Diego County makes those records public. In the meantime, The Villa’s downgrade serves as a reminder that even well-liked restaurants with glowing reviews need to keep pace with the fundamentals of food safety, especially during peak service when systems are most strained.
We’ll keep an eye on the follow-up inspection and report back when The Villa’s grade changes. For now, the restaurant remains open at 117 W Grand Ave, and its next steps will determine how quickly it can restore confidence—and its grade—among Escondido diners.
