Mohammed Ejaz, of Oceana Takeaway, appeared before magistrates where he pleaded guilty to seven food safety and hygiene breaches.
The offences included failure to keep the premise and equipment clean and failure to control food safety hazards.
The prosecution against the owner of the takeaway in Ingoldmells was brought by East Lindsey District Council.
Lincoln magistrates fined Ejaz £1,750 with costs of £4,676, plus a victim surcharge of £25.
Laura Hackney, prosecuting on behalf of East Lindsey District Council, said: “The district council was called from a member of the public on January 7 regarding rats at the premises.”
Food safety inspectors found a trail of filth when they inspected the premises, including dirty surfaces and equipment, rusty pizza trays and microwave; and badly scored chopping boards.
Those handling food were not wearing protective clothing and documented food safety procedures were not available.
Oceana Takeaway received a zero out of five food hygiene rating as a result of the inspection.
The district council classified conditions at the takeaway as being capable of causing “adverse effect to individuals”.
Ejaz admitted he had not given the takeaway the attention it needed.
In mitigation, he said: “I do try hard.
“I have spent two years working and I have not made anything.
“My son became ill and it means I have not been able to give the time to the restaurant.”
Ejaz, who is currently living at Ingoldmells Service Station, insisted standards have improved following the inspection in January.