Manhattan, NY — Blue Mountain, a Japanese restaurant located at 396 3rd Avenue in Manhattan, received a score of 34 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 11, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, the lowest grade issued under the city's restaurant grading system.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 13, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 11 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation related to pesticide handling and storage at the establishment.

Specifically, inspectors cited the restaurant under violation code 08C for pesticide not being properly labeled or being used by an unlicensed individual. The citation also noted that pesticides or other toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, and that an unprotected or unlocked bait station was in use at the location.

Under New York City regulations, pesticide application in food service establishments must be performed by licensed pest control professionals. Bait stations must be secured and tamper-resistant to prevent accidental contact with food, equipment, or individuals. Improper storage of pesticides near food preparation or storage areas poses potential contamination risks.

While the inspection record categorizes this as a non-critical violation, the overall score of 34 points indicates that additional conditions contributed to the total during the inspection assessment.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework governing food service establishments in New York City. The code requires that all pest management activities be conducted by licensed applicators and that all chemicals used on premises be properly labeled, stored, and applied in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable regulations.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local jurisdictions, similarly addresses integrated pest management in food establishments. It emphasizes that pesticides must be stored separately from food, food-contact surfaces, and single-use items, and that their use must not introduce contamination risks to the food supply.

Pest management is a routine component of restaurant operations in New York City, but the manner in which pesticides are stored, labeled, and applied is subject to regulatory oversight. Unlicensed pesticide application and unsecured bait stations represent deviations from established food safety protocols.

Inspection History

Blue Mountain's recent inspection history shows a pattern of fluctuating scores:

  • January 18, 2024: Score 6 (Grade A)
  • August 6, 2025: Score 66 (No grade recorded)
  • October 23, 2025: Score 34 (Grade C)
  • February 11, 2026: Score 34 (Grade C)

The restaurant previously earned a Grade A in January 2024 with a score of just 6, indicating minimal violations at that time. However, the establishment's scores increased substantially in subsequent inspections. An August 2025 inspection resulted in a score of 66, and the October 2025 cycle inspection produced a score of 34, resulting in a Grade C. The most recent February 2026 inspection recorded the same score of 34, maintaining the Grade C designation.

The consecutive Grade C scores across the October 2025 and February 2026 inspections suggest ongoing compliance challenges at the establishment.

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

A Grade C indicates that inspectors identified conditions that resulted in 28 or more violation points. Restaurants receiving a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection to attempt to achieve a better score. Grade cards must be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history, including specific violations and scores, through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database available online. This public record system provides transparency and allows diners to make informed decisions about where they eat.

For the most current information about Blue Mountain's inspection status, residents can visit the NYC DOHMH restaurant grades search portal or check the restaurant's posted grade card at the establishment.

More About This Restaurant

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