Manhattan, NY — Dhaba Indian Cuisine, located at 108 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, received a Grade B rating after a health inspection conducted on February 26, 2026, in which the restaurant scored 27 points. Inspectors documented one critical violation involving live cockroaches on the premises.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 2, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 26 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited one critical violation under code 04M: live roaches present in the facility's food or non-food area.

The presence of live cockroaches is classified as a critical violation because these pests are known carriers of bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, and they can contaminate food, preparation surfaces, and storage areas. A single sighting during an inspection often indicates a broader pest management issue within the establishment.

No non-critical violations were documented during this inspection. The restaurant's score of 27 places it at the very top of the Grade B range, one point below the Grade C threshold of 28.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 requires all food service establishments to maintain pest-free environments. Specifically, restaurants must implement integrated pest management practices and ensure that all areas where food is prepared, stored, or served are free from vermin.

The FDA Food Code similarly identifies pest activity as a critical risk factor in foodservice operations. Cockroach infestations can lead to cross-contamination of food products and compromise the sanitary conditions necessary for safe food handling.

DOHMH noted that violations were cited and the restaurant remained open following the inspection. A score of 27 represents the maximum point total within the Grade B classification before a restaurant would receive a Grade C.

Inspection History

Dhaba Indian Cuisine's inspection record shows a pattern of scores across multiple inspection cycles:

  • June 12, 2025: Score of 57
  • October 12, 2023: Score of 15 (Grade B)
  • December 7, 2022: Score of 22

The June 2025 score of 57 was notably high, falling well into Grade C territory. The most recent score of 27 represents an improvement from that inspection but remains consistent with the restaurant's history of scores in the B and C ranges. The establishment has not recorded a Grade A score in its recent inspection history available through DOHMH public data.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total points accumulated during a health inspection. Lower scores indicate fewer violations:

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

Restaurants that receive a B or C grade may request a re-inspection or an adjudicatory hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

Consumers can verify any restaurant's current grade and full inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by checking the letter grade posted at the establishment's entrance, as required by law. All inspection data referenced in this report is sourced from publicly available DOHMH records.

More About This Restaurant

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