Manhattan, NY — Cafe Du Soleil, a French restaurant at 245 West 104th Street on the Upper West Side, received a score of 44 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 26, 2026, resulting in a Grade C rating. The inspection identified one critical violation and one non-critical violation. DOHMH released the inspection data on March 31, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The critical violation cited during the inspection involved the absence of a valid Food Protection Certificate held by a manager or supervisor of food operations, recorded under Code 04A.

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, at least one manager or supervisor at a food service establishment is required to hold a Food Protection Certificate issued by DOHMH. This certification demonstrates that the individual has completed a food protection course and passed an examination covering safe food handling practices, temperature control, personal hygiene, and contamination prevention. The absence of a certified supervisor on-site is classified as a critical violation because it represents a gap in the qualified oversight required to maintain food safety standards during operations.

The inspection also documented a non-critical violation under Code 08C, related to pesticide use and storage. Inspectors noted the use of an unprotected, unlocked bait station on the premises. NYC Health Code Article 81 and applicable pesticide regulations require that pest control materials be properly labeled, stored securely, and applied only by licensed individuals. Unlocked bait stations present a risk of unintended access or contamination in a food service environment.

Food Safety Context

The Food Protection Certificate requirement, enforced under NYC Health Code Article 81, is designed to ensure that at least one individual with formal food safety training is present and accountable during a restaurant's operating hours. The FDA Food Code similarly emphasizes the role of a certified "person in charge" as a core element of a food safety management system.

Pesticide management requirements exist to prevent chemical contamination of food, food contact surfaces, and equipment. The use of unlocked bait stations in food service settings is a recognized risk factor under both city and state pesticide regulations, as well as FDA Food Code guidance on pest control.

Neither violation was cited as a basis for closure at the time of this inspection. The restaurant was permitted to continue operations, with the expectation that violations be corrected prior to a reinspection.

Inspection History

Cafe Du Soleil's inspection record over the past several years shows variability in scores:

  • November 27, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • June 5, 2024: Score 39 (Grade C range)
  • January 30, 2023: Score 39 (Grade C)
  • May 24, 2022: Score 31 (Grade C range)

The restaurant achieved a Grade A at its most recent prior inspection in late 2024, but the March 2026 inspection marks a return to Grade C territory. Of the five inspections on record, four resulted in scores of 28 or above.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores, which are calculated by adding penalty points for each violation observed. Lower scores reflect fewer or less severe violations. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • C: Score of 28 points or more

Restaurants have the option to request a reinspection before a grade is finalized, or to post a "Grade Pending" sign while awaiting that reinspection result.

NYC restaurant inspection records are public and updated regularly on the DOHMH website. Diners can look up any restaurant's full inspection history, including violation details and grade history, through the city's online inspection database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

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