Queens, NY — Bella Pizza, located at 134-62 Springfield Boulevard in Queens, received a Grade C rating following a health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026. The restaurant scored 36 points, placing it in the Grade C range according to New York City's restaurant grading system. The establishment remains open with violations posted.

What Inspectors Found

During the March inspection, health department officials documented one non-critical violation at the pizza restaurant. Inspectors cited the establishment for maintaining non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material or not properly maintained for adequate cleaning access.

Specifically, the violation identified that certain surfaces or equipment were either constructed of materials not approved for food service use, not kept in a sanitary condition, or not properly configured to allow thorough cleaning. The citation indicated that equipment must be sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to permit accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit.

This type of violation, classified under NYC Health Code Section 10F, addresses the physical infrastructure and maintenance standards required in food service establishments. While categorized as non-critical, such violations indicate areas where sanitation protocols may be compromised over time if not corrected.

Food Safety Context

The New York City Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive standards for food service establishment operations, equipment, and maintenance. These regulations align with FDA Food Code requirements to prevent contamination and ensure food safety throughout preparation and service.

Equipment surface standards exist because improperly maintained or inaccessible surfaces can harbor bacteria, grease buildup, and food debris that routine cleaning cannot adequately address. When equipment cannot be moved or accessed for thorough cleaning, pathogens can accumulate in hidden areas, potentially contaminating food preparation zones.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requires that all food contact and non-food contact surfaces in commercial kitchens be constructed of approved materials such as stainless steel or food-grade plastic, maintained in good repair, and configured to permit complete sanitation. Equipment must be installed with sufficient clearance from walls and floors to allow cleaning staff to reach all surfaces.

Inspection History

Bella Pizza has undergone multiple health inspections in recent years with varying results:

  • February 10, 2026: Score 25 (Grade B range)
  • September 5, 2025: Score 2, Grade Z (passing grade during re-inspection)
  • September 4, 2025: Score 53, closed by health department
  • April 25, 2025: Score 24 (Grade B range)

The inspection record shows the restaurant was closed in September 2025 after receiving a score of 53 points. The establishment underwent a re-inspection the following day, scoring 2 points and receiving approval to reopen. The current Grade C score of 36 points represents a decline from the February 2026 inspection when the restaurant scored in the Grade B range.

Data from the March 9 inspection was released by DOHMH on March 12, 2026, three days after the inspection occurred.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system operates on a points-based scale where lower scores indicate better compliance with health and safety regulations:

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

Restaurants must post their letter grade in a location visible to the public, typically in the front window. Establishments have the right to request a re-inspection if they receive a Grade B or C, though they must post the initial grade until a re-inspection occurs.

The grading system reflects violations documented during unannounced inspections conducted at least once annually. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations related to maintenance and general sanitation.

Public Health Resources

Consumers can access complete inspection records for any New York City restaurant through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's online restaurant inspection database. The database provides violation details, scores, and inspection dates for all food service establishments operating in the five boroughs.

Residents with food safety concerns about any restaurant can report issues to 311 or through the city's online portal. The health department investigates complaints and may conduct additional inspections based on reported concerns.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Bella Pizza including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.