Inspection conducted Nov 3, 2025 · Data released by DOHMH Feb 19, 2026
GRADE B VIOLATIONS
Arabique Cafe Receives Grade B Following Health Inspection
Published March 15, 2026 6:00 PM
299 3 AVENUE, Manhattan, NY 10010 · Mediterranean
23
Violation Score
A: 0-13 · B: 14-27 · C: 28+
Manhattan, NY — Arabique Cafe at 299 3rd Avenue received a Grade B health rating with a score of 23 points following an inspection conducted November 3, 2025, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 19, 2026. Health officials documented 8 critical violations and 11 non-critical violations during the inspection.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors identified multiple critical violations related to food contact surface sanitation. The facility received three separate citations for food contact surfaces not being properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred, as required under NYC Health Code Article 81.
Officials also documented that wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution between uses, receiving two citations for this violation. Proper storage of wiping cloths is essential to prevent cross-contamination between food preparation surfaces.
A significant staffing concern was identified: the establishment did not have a manager or supervisor holding a valid Food Protection Certificate (FPC). This violation was cited three times during the inspection. NYC Health Code requires at least one certified food protection supervisor to be present during all hours of operation.
Non-critical violations included seven citations for missing original nutrition fact labels or ingredient labels for cooking oils, shortening, margarine, or bulk food items. The facility was also cited four times for toilet facility deficiencies, including lack of proper maintenance, toilet paper, waste receptacles, or self-closing doors.
Food Safety Context
The Food Protection Certificate requirement exists to ensure that food service establishments maintain adequate supervision by personnel trained in food safety principles, proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and sanitation procedures as outlined in the FDA Food Code and NYC Health Code Article 81.
Proper sanitation of food contact surfaces is a fundamental food safety requirement. When surfaces are not adequately washed, rinsed, and sanitized, bacteria and other pathogens can transfer to ready-to-eat foods, potentially causing foodborne illness.
Inspection History
This appears to be the first documented inspection for this establishment in the available DOHMH database.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:
- Grade A: 0-13 points (fewest violations)
- Grade B: 14-27 points (moderate violations)
- Grade C: 28 or more points (most violations)
The establishment's score of 23 points places it in the upper range of the Grade B category, approaching the threshold for a Grade C rating.
What Happens Next
Establishments receiving Grade B or C ratings are subject to re-inspection. The restaurant remains open and operational while violations are addressed.
Consumers can verify current inspection results and view violation details through the NYC DOHMH website or the city's restaurant inspection mobile app. All inspection data represents conditions observed on the specific date of inspection.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Arabique Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.
Violations Documented — Nov 3, 2025
CRITICAL
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. (Code 06D)
CRITICAL
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. (Code 06D)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
CRITICAL
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses. (Code 06F)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
CRITICAL
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations. (Code 04A)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
CRITICAL
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations. (Code 04A)
Non-Critical
Toilet facility not maintained or provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle or self-closing door. (Code 10A)
Non-Critical
Toilet facility not maintained or provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle or self-closing door. (Code 10A)
Non-Critical
Toilet facility not maintained or provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle or self-closing door. (Code 10A)
Non-Critical
Toilet facility not maintained or provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle or self-closing door. (Code 10A)
CRITICAL
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations. (Code 04A)
Non-Critical
The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site. (Code 16-02)
CRITICAL
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. (Code 06D)
CRITICAL
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses. (Code 06F)
Inspection History
| Date |
Score |
Grade |
Status |
| Nov 3, 2025 |
23 |
N
|
This inspection |
View full inspection history for Arabique Cafe at 299 3 AVENUE, Manhattan →
Editorial Standards & Data Transparency
Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), released under the NYC Open Data program.
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI (Claude) to synthesize official inspection data into accessible reporting, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional Review: All content undergoes standards and compliance oversight by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NH EMT & BU-trained Paralegal, through Twin Digital Media's regulatory data auditing protocols.
Regulatory References: NYC Health Code Article 81, FDA Food Code (2022). NYC Restaurant Inspections is an independent public data reporting service. We are not affiliated with the City of New York.
| Last verified: April 27, 2026 | Our methodology