Manhattan, NY — Angelina Bakery Grand, a bakery and desserts establishment at 450 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a routine inspection conducted on March 12, 2026. The restaurant received a score of 74 points, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C, and was ordered to cease operations after inspectors identified critical food safety violations.

The closure represents a significant departure from the establishment's recent inspection record. As recently as September 2024, Angelina Bakery Grand had earned a Grade A with a score of just 8 points.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 12 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented two violations — one critical and one non-critical — that together resulted in the 74-point score.

The critical violation involved hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items that were not held at or above 140 °F, as required by food safety regulations. TCS foods include items such as cooked meats, dairy products, cooked vegetables, and prepared sauces that are capable of supporting the rapid growth of harmful bacteria when held in the temperature danger zone between 41 °F and 140 °F. Maintaining proper holding temperatures is one of the most fundamental requirements in commercial food service, as failure to do so can create conditions for the growth of pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens.

Inspectors also cited a non-critical violation related to deficient dishwashing and ware washing practices. Specifically, the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment, was found to be inadequate. Improper sanitization of food-contact surfaces can contribute to cross-contamination and compromise the overall hygiene of a food service operation.

Following the inspection, the DOHMH noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed by the establishment.

Food Safety Context

The temperature control violation cited at Angelina Bakery Grand relates to one of the most closely monitored aspects of food safety regulation. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, all hot TCS food items must be maintained at 140 °F or above during holding. This requirement exists because the temperature range between 41 °F and 140 °F — commonly referred to as the "danger zone" — allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, potentially doubling in number every 20 minutes under certain conditions.

Commercial food establishments are expected to monitor food temperatures regularly using calibrated thermometers and to take corrective action immediately when food falls below the required holding temperature. The FDA Food Code provides that TCS foods that have been held in the danger zone for more than four hours must be discarded.

The dishwashing deficiency, while classified as non-critical, is nonetheless an important component of a restaurant's overall food safety program. Proper ware washing involves a multi-step process of washing, rinsing, and sanitizing all food-contact surfaces to prevent the transmission of foodborne pathogens between items.

Inspection History

A review of Angelina Bakery Grand's inspection record shows a notable shift from its prior performance:

  • September 26, 2024: Score of 8 points, Grade A
  • August 15, 2024: Score of 32 points (no grade recorded)
  • March 12, 2026: Score of 74 points, closed by DOHMH

The September 2024 Grade A inspection indicated a well-maintained operation with minimal violations at that time. The current score of 74 represents a significant increase in violation points and resulted in the closure action.

It should be noted that inspection data for this report was released by DOHMH on March 16, 2026, four days after the inspection was conducted. Inspection scores and grades reflect conditions observed at the specific date and time of the inspection and may not represent current conditions, particularly after corrective actions have been taken.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection:

  • Grade A: 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with health regulations. When an establishment receives a score that would result in a Grade C, or when critical violations pose an immediate health risk, DOHMH may order the establishment closed until conditions are corrected.

Restaurants that are closed by DOHMH must address all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before they are permitted to reopen to the public. The closure and re-inspection process is designed to ensure that conditions posing a risk to public health are corrected promptly.

Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection results, including letter grades, are required to be posted at the entrance of every restaurant operating in the city.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Angelina Bakery Grand including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.