Manhattan, NY — Empire Szechuan Kyoto, a Chinese and Japanese restaurant at 193 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, received a score of 41 during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 5, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented one critical violation and two non-critical violations during the visit.
The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 9, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The most significant finding was a critical violation related to food protection. Inspectors cited the restaurant under violation code 06C for food, supplies, or equipment not being protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. The citation also noted that condiments were not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, protecting food from contamination at every stage of handling is a fundamental requirement for food service establishments.
Inspectors also documented two non-critical violations:
The first, under code 08C, involved improper pesticide use or storage. The citation noted that pesticide was not properly labeled or was used by an unlicensed individual, that toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, or that unprotected or unlocked bait stations were in use. NYC regulations require that all pest management chemicals be applied only by licensed professionals and that bait stations be tamper-resistant and properly secured.
The second non-critical violation, under code 10F, cited non-food contact surfaces or equipment that were made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. The FDA Food Code emphasizes that all surfaces in food preparation areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent the harboring of bacteria and pests.
Food Safety Context
A score of 41 places Empire Szechuan Kyoto well into Grade C range, which applies to restaurants scoring 28 points or higher. Under the NYC restaurant grading system administered by DOHMH, each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and the condition observed. Critical violations, such as the food contamination issue documented here, carry higher point values because they represent conditions more likely to contribute to foodborne illness.
The food protection violation is particularly notable because it addresses the core principle of preventing cross-contamination — a leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires that all food be stored, prepared, and served in a manner that prevents contact with contaminants, and the FDA Food Code provides detailed guidance on proper food protection practices throughout the flow of food.
Inspection History
Empire Szechuan Kyoto's inspection record shows fluctuating compliance over the past several years:
- Feb 12, 2025: Score 13, Grade A
- Sep 18, 2024: Score 25
- Jan 4, 2023: Score 30, Grade C
- Mar 29, 2022: Score 31
The restaurant had improved to a Grade A score of 13 during its most recent prior inspection in February 2025. The current score of 41 represents a significant increase from that result and marks the restaurant's second Grade C outcome in recent years, following a score of 30 in January 2023.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection. The restaurant posts the grade from whichever inspection yields the better score. Grades must be posted prominently at the entrance of the establishment.
Consumers can look up inspection results for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH website or the city's open data portal. Inspection reports, including specific violations and scores, are public record and are updated as new inspections are completed.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Empire Szechuan Kyoto including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.