Bronx, NY — Kiraku Sushi Japanese Restaurant, located at 1948 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on June 30, 2026. The establishment received a score of 57, placing it in the C range under the city's restaurant grading system. The inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on July 3, 2026.

Inspectors documented two non-critical violations during the visit. According to DOHMH records, the violations were cited and those requiring immediate action were addressed before the closure was completed.

What Inspectors Found

The June 30 inspection identified two violations, both classified as non-critical under DOHMH standards.

The first, Code 10F, pertains to non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable materials, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or positioned to allow adequate cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath. This type of violation typically involves equipment such as shelving units, storage racks, or mechanical components that accumulate grease, debris, or moisture in areas that are difficult to access and clean regularly.

The second, Code 08A, relates to the establishment not being free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation does not necessarily indicate the presence of active pests; rather, it identifies structural or environmental conditions — such as gaps in walls, accumulated clutter, or standing moisture — that could attract or shelter pests. DOHMH treats this category seriously given the public health risks associated with pest activity in food service environments.

Despite both violations being classified as non-critical, the cumulative point total of 57 was sufficient to trigger closure under DOHMH protocols. The agency is authorized under NYC Health Code Article 81 to close any food service establishment when public health conditions warrant immediate action.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program is administered under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments across the five boroughs. The program incorporates standards from the FDA Food Code, a federally developed model that provides science-based guidance on food safety practices.

Under this framework, inspectors assign point values to each violation based on its potential risk to public health. Critical violations — those most likely to contribute directly to foodborne illness — carry higher point values. Non-critical violations address sanitation and facility maintenance issues that, while not immediate illness risks, can create conditions that compromise food safety over time.

A score of 57 on a single inspection represents a significant accumulation of points even from non-critical violations alone, though it is worth noting that point totals are calculated based on the number and severity of violations cited. The DOHMH determines closure when, in the judgment of the inspecting official, immediate public health concerns must be addressed before the establishment can continue operating.

Violations documented in DOHMH inspections become part of the public record and are available through the city's open data portal.

Inspection History

Kiraku Sushi Japanese Restaurant has undergone multiple inspections in recent years. The prior record shows a pattern of strong performance before the most recent visit:

  • October 31, 2025: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • April 20, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • October 18, 2023: Score 26

The October 2025 and April 2024 inspections both resulted in Grade A scores, indicating the establishment had previously maintained compliance with city health standards. The October 2023 inspection score of 26 falls in the upper range of the Grade B threshold but does not include a recorded grade designation in the available data.

The jump from a score of 11 in October 2025 to a score of 57 in June 2026 represents a notable change in inspection outcome. DOHMH inspection results can vary based on conditions observed on the specific date of inspection, staffing, seasonal factors, and facility maintenance practices at the time of the visit.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants following scored inspections. The grade reflects the score received at the time of the initial inspection or, in some cases, a subsequent re-inspection. The grading scale is as follows:

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

Restaurants that are closed by DOHMH at the time of inspection are not eligible to post a grade until a re-inspection is conducted and the establishment is permitted to reopen. Consumers can look up any restaurant's full inspection history, including violation details and grade history, through the NYC Open Restaurant Inspections database available at nyc.gov.

Residents and diners with questions about the inspection process or how to report food safety concerns can contact 311 or visit the DOHMH Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation online.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Kiraku Sushi Japanese Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.