CLEVELAND -- When you enter a restaurant, do you know how to spot a clean facility?

NewsChannel5's Joe Pagonakis shows you in the "Restaurant Report" how you can you can be sure what's on your plate is clean and safe to eat.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health says when you first walk inside, keep your eyes open. Visual clues can be found everywhere.

A perfect example of a clean eating spot is Sommers Restaurant on West 150th Street in Cleveland. There is no debris from top to bottom, and Pagonakis walked in with a camera with no notice.

"Are floors and table a good indication of a clean restaurant?" Pagonakis asked.

"Absolutely. In fact, it's the number one visual indicator. This the first thing people see right off the bat," owner Joseph Khouri said.

The health department says individually wrapped silverware that is shiny clean and devoid of water spots is a key clue.

If you can see into the kitchen, look for clean cooking surfaces that are free of food debris. The health department says cooks in the back handling food must wear gloves. And hot foods must be kept at 140 degrees or higher. Cold foods should be kept below 40 degrees.

"If you're ordering hot food it should be served hot. Cold foods cold, and improper hand washing could cause a lot of disease transmission," said Colin Johnson with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Also, take a good look at who is serving you. If they aren't neat and clean, your plate may not be either, Pagonakis reported.

Perhaps the biggest indicator of a clean restaurant is the bathroom. The health department says a dirty bathroom could mean a dirty kitchen.

"Fast service is good but that's not all. The owners must take personal pride. It's like your inviting them into your home," said Layla Khouri said.