Staten Island, NY — Basil Cucina & Catering, a pizzeria at 1686 Forest Avenue, received a Grade B score of 25 following a health inspection conducted on March 3, 2026. The score places the restaurant near the upper end of the Grade B range, just two points below the 28-point threshold that triggers a Grade C designation.

The inspection identified one critical violation and no non-critical violations. The data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 6, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The sole violation cited during the inspection was a critical finding under DOHMH violation code 04A: no manager or supervisor of food operations held a valid Food Protection Certificate (FPC).

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, every food service establishment must have at least one supervisory staff member on duty who holds a current Food Protection Certificate issued by the DOHMH. The certificate demonstrates that the individual has completed an approved food safety course and passed an examination covering topics such as proper food handling temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, allergen awareness, and sanitation procedures.

While the restaurant received no citations for food handling, temperature control, or sanitation issues, the absence of a certified food safety supervisor is classified as a critical violation because it removes a key layer of oversight designed to prevent foodborne illness. The FDA Food Code similarly requires that food establishments designate a certified person in charge during all hours of operation.

The 25-point score is notable for its severity within the Grade B range. A score of 14 represents the minimum Grade B, while 27 marks the last point before a restaurant falls into Grade C territory. At 25 points, Basil Cucina & Catering's result sits in the upper portion of the B range, indicating the violation carried substantial point weight in the DOHMH scoring system.

Inspection History

The Grade B marks a departure from the restaurant's previously consistent record. Prior inspections had all resulted in Grade A scores:

  • 2024-09-19: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • 2023-04-10: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • 2022-03-16: Score 12 (Grade A)

Across three consecutive inspection cycles spanning more than two years, Basil Cucina & Catering had maintained scores well within the Grade A range. The jump from a score of 12 to 25 represents a significant shift, driven entirely by the single critical food protection certificate violation.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during a health inspection:

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

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. The grading system, administered by DOHMH, requires restaurants to post their current grade where it is visible to the public.

Additional Information

Consumers can look up the full inspection history for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The Food Protection Certificate requirement can typically be resolved by ensuring a certified supervisor is present during operating hours or by having a current staff member complete an approved food safety course.

All inspection data referenced in this article is drawn from public records maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Basil Cucina & Catering including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.