Manhattan, NY — Doaba Deli, an Indian restaurant located at 945 Columbus Avenue on Manhattan's Upper West Side, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on March 11, 2026. The establishment received a score of 65 points and a C grade following the inspection.

The closure action was documented in inspection data released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026. According to city records, violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection. The establishment was cited for one non-critical violation related to pest control and sanitation conditions.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests during the March 11 inspection. The violation, coded as 08A in the NYC Health Code system, indicates that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions that could attract or sustain pest activity.

This type of violation typically encompasses observable conditions such as gaps in walls or floors, inadequate door seals, improper waste storage, or accumulated debris that could provide shelter or food sources for pests. The violation does not necessarily indicate active pest presence, but rather environmental conditions that inspectors determined could support pest activity if left unaddressed.

The restaurant received 65 points during this inspection, placing it in the C grade category under New York City's restaurant grading system. While no critical violations were documented, the point total exceeded the threshold for acceptable sanitation standards, triggering the closure action.

Food Safety Context

New York City Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive requirements for food service establishment sanitation and operation. Section 81.21 specifically addresses pest control, requiring that all food service establishments maintain premises free of conditions that attract or harbor pests.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as the scientific and technical foundation for many local health codes, emphasizes that effective pest management is essential to preventing foodborne illness. Rodents and insects can contaminate food contact surfaces, compromise food safety, and transmit pathogens that pose public health risks.

Pest-conducive conditions are classified as non-critical violations when no evidence of active infestation is observed, but the environmental conditions present could support pest activity. The 65-point score reflects the cumulative assessment of conditions documented during the inspection process.

Health Department closure actions require establishments to correct all cited violations before reopening. Operators must schedule a reinspection to demonstrate compliance with health code requirements. The establishment may only resume operations after DOHMH verifies that violations have been properly addressed.

Inspection History

Doaba Deli has been subject to regular health inspections as required for all New York City food service establishments. Review of inspection records shows the following history:

  • March 11, 2026: Score 65 (Grade C), Closed by DOHMH
  • September 17, 2025: Score 31 (Grade C)
  • June 6, 2025: Score 22
  • May 6, 2025: Inspection conducted (score not finalized)
  • October 10, 2024: Inspection conducted (score not finalized)
  • November 15, 2023: Score 40 (Grade C)
  • January 30, 2023: Score 51

The inspection record indicates recurring challenges with maintaining grade A or B status. The establishment has received C grades in multiple inspections over the past three years, with scores ranging from 31 to 65 points. The June 2025 inspection resulted in a score of 22 points, which would qualify for a B grade, though no grade was assigned in available records.

Inspection scores represent cumulative point deductions based on observed violations, with lower scores indicating better compliance. The variability in scores over time reflects changing conditions at each inspection cycle.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system translates inspection scores into letter grades displayed at establishment entrances:

  • Grade A: 0 to 13 points (excellent compliance)
  • Grade B: 14 to 27 points (acceptable compliance with some violations)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (substantial violations requiring correction)

Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a C grade and may face closure if violations requiring immediate correction are documented. Operators have the right to request a reinspection or to schedule a hearing before the Health Department's administrative tribunal.

The grading system is designed to provide transparency to consumers about sanitation conditions observed during unannounced inspections. All inspection results and violation details are publicly accessible through the NYC Health Department's restaurant inspection database.

Public Health Resources

Consumers can verify current inspection results for any New York City restaurant by visiting the Department of Health's online inspection database or by checking the grade card posted at the establishment entrance. The database provides detailed violation descriptions and inspection history for all permitted food service operations.

Questions about food safety or concerns about restaurant conditions can be reported to 311, New York City's non-emergency information line. The Health Department investigates complaints and conducts follow-up inspections as warranted.

Current inspection data reflects conditions observed on the date of inspection and may not represent current operational status. Consumers seeking the most recent information should verify reopening status through official city databases or by contacting establishments directly.

More About This Restaurant

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