Brooklyn, NY — Bonafini, a New French restaurant located at 663 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, was closed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection on March 7, 2026. The restaurant received a score of 75, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C, with two critical violations documented by inspectors.

The closure marks an abrupt departure from the restaurant's prior track record. Bonafini had earned a Grade A on each of its three previous inspections dating back to 2022.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 7 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified two critical violations at the Flatbush Avenue establishment.

The first violation, cited under code 06C, involved food, supplies, or equipment not being adequately protected from potential sources of contamination. This applies to multiple stages of food handling, including storage, preparation, transportation, display, and service. The citation also noted that condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

The second critical violation, cited under code 05C, pertained to food contact surfaces, refillable or reusable containers, or equipment that were improperly constructed, placed, or maintained. Inspectors additionally noted the use of unacceptable materials and the absence of a culinary sink or other acceptable method for washing food.

No non-critical violations were recorded during the inspection.

Following the inspection, DOHMH closed the establishment. According to the agency's enforcement notes, violations were cited and those requiring immediate action were addressed.

Food Safety Context

The violations documented at Bonafini relate to fundamental food safety principles outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code.

Protection of food from contamination during all stages of handling is a core requirement of food safety regulation. Code 06C addresses the risk of cross-contamination, which can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, or physical contaminants into food that is being stored, prepared, or served. The requirement for single-service condiment containers or direct vendor dispensing is designed to prevent repeated customer contact with shared condiment supplies, reducing the potential for pathogen transfer.

Properly constructed and maintained food contact surfaces are equally critical. Code 05C addresses surfaces that come into direct contact with food during preparation and service. These surfaces must be made of approved, non-toxic, smooth, and easily cleanable materials. The absence of a culinary sink or equivalent method for washing food is a significant concern, as proper washing is essential for removing soil, bacteria, and chemical residues from produce and other items that require rinsing before preparation.

A score of 75 indicates a substantial accumulation of violation points during a single inspection. Under the NYC restaurant grading system, any score of 28 or above falls into the Grade C range. When conditions present an immediate risk to public health, DOHMH has the authority to close an establishment until violations are corrected.

Inspection History

Bonafini's March 2026 closure represents a significant shift from the restaurant's documented inspection history, which had been consistently strong:

  • 2024-10-03: Score 11, Grade A
  • 2023-06-13: Score 2, Grade A
  • 2022-04-30: Score 10, Grade A

The restaurant had maintained Grade A status across all three prior inspections, with scores ranging from 2 to 11. The jump from a score of 11 in October 2024 to a score of 75 in March 2026 represents a notable change in the establishment's inspection performance.

Restaurants that are closed by DOHMH may reopen after the conditions that led to closure have been corrected and the establishment passes a subsequent inspection. The timeline for reopening depends on how quickly the operator addresses the cited violations.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0 to 13 points (lowest violation level)
  • B: 14 to 27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. Grade cards must be posted at the entrance of the establishment so that they are visible to the public before entering.

The inspection data referenced in this article was recorded on March 7, 2026, and released by DOHMH on March 9, 2026. Inspection results reflect conditions observed at the time of the inspection and may not represent current conditions, particularly if the restaurant has since been re-inspected or has corrected the cited violations.

For more information about NYC restaurant inspections, grades, and food safety standards, the public can visit the DOHMH website or search individual restaurant inspection results through the city's open data portal.

More About This Restaurant

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