Manhattan, NY — Central Park Cafe, an Italian restaurant located at 910 Seventh Avenue near Central Park, received a score of 41 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 18, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, indicating 28 or more violation points. Inspectors documented two critical violations during the visit.
What Inspectors Found
The inspection identified two critical food safety violations at the establishment. No non-critical violations were recorded.
The first critical violation involved cold temperature control for safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F. Under NYC Health Code requirements, cold TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below, smoked or processed fish at 38°F or below, and intact raw eggs at 45°F or below. Reduced oxygen packaged TCS foods must also be held at required temperatures except during active necessary preparation. Failure to maintain proper cold holding temperatures can allow bacterial growth that may lead to foodborne illness.
The second critical violation cited food contact surfaces that were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. The FDA Food Code requires that food contact surfaces undergo a three-step process of washing, rinsing, and sanitizing between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
Together, these two violations accounted for the restaurant's total score of 41 points.
Food Safety Context
The violations documented at Central Park Cafe relate to two fundamental areas of food safety regulated under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code.
Improper cold holding temperatures represent one of the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City restaurant inspections. The 41°F threshold for cold TCS foods is based on established food science indicating that bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply rapidly in the temperature range between 41°F and 135°F, commonly referred to as the "danger zone." Restaurants are required to monitor and maintain proper food storage temperatures throughout service.
Proper sanitization of food contact surfaces is a core requirement under both city and federal food safety standards. Surfaces that come into contact with food — including cutting boards, prep tables, utensils, and equipment — must be cleaned and sanitized to prevent the transfer of harmful pathogens between food items.
Inspection History
Central Park Cafe's inspection record shows a pattern of fluctuating scores over the past several years:
- Feb 18, 2026: Score 41 (current inspection)
- Jan 30, 2026: Score 31
- Oct 31, 2025: Score 2 (Grade Z)
- Oct 21, 2025: Score 64, closed by DOHMH
- Aug 11, 2025: Score 2 (Grade A)
- Aug 8, 2025: Score 48
- Aug 5, 2025: Score 100, closed by DOHMH
- Oct 31, 2023: Score 6 (Grade P)
- Oct 25, 2023: Score 72, closed by DOHMH
The record indicates that the restaurant has been closed by DOHMH on three prior occasions — in October 2023, August 2025, and October 2025. The establishment has also achieved low scores, including a Grade A score of 2 in August 2025, suggesting inconsistent adherence to food safety standards between inspection cycles.
The current score of 41 follows a score of 31 recorded on January 30, 2026, indicating the establishment has received consecutive scores in Grade C range in its two most recent inspections.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on violation points accumulated during inspections:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 41 falls within the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. Grade cards must be posted at the restaurant's entrance.
Data Freshness
This inspection was conducted on February 18, 2026. The data was released by DOHMH on February 20, 2026. Conditions at the restaurant may have changed since the inspection date.
Consumers can look up restaurant inspection results on the DOHMH website or through the NYC Open Data portal. Central Park Cafe is located at 910 Seventh Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10019.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Central Park Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.