Queens, NY — L'aroma Deli Cafe, a coffee and tea establishment located at 62-54 Forest Avenue in Ridgewood, received a score of 36 during a health inspection conducted on February 6, 2026, according to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) records. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, defined as 28 or more points, and represents a significant decline from the establishment's most recent graded inspection.

Inspectors documented three critical violations and six non-critical violations during the inspection. DOHMH cited violations in the areas identified but did not order an immediate closure.

What Inspectors Found

The most serious finding involved evidence of mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. Rodent activity in food service environments presents direct contamination risks and is classified as a critical violation under NYC inspection protocols.

Inspectors also cited the cafe for a food protection violation, noting that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, or display. Condiments were not maintained in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

A third critical violation involved juice packaged on the premises with no label or an incomplete label, and no warning statement. Packaged juice products require specific labeling under food safety regulations to inform consumers about the product and any associated risks.

Among the six non-critical violations, inspectors noted conditions conducive to pests, including harborage conditions that could attract rodents or insects. Two separate citations were issued for improper pesticide use or storage, including the use of unprotected or unlocked bait stations. Additional non-critical violations included improper drainage or sewage disposal issues, food that was adulterated or misbranded, and failure to display required signage regarding plastic straw availability.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishment inspections in New York City. Evidence of rodent activity is treated as a critical violation because mice and rats can transmit pathogens through direct contact with food surfaces, droppings, and urine contamination.

The FDA Food Code requires that food be protected from contamination at all stages of handling, and that packaged juice products carry appropriate labeling, including warning statements about products that have not been pasteurized. These requirements exist to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and ensure consumers can make informed decisions.

The dual citations for pesticide-related issues suggest the establishment may have been attempting to address pest activity but was not doing so in compliance with regulations governing pesticide use and bait station security.

Inspection History

L'aroma Deli Cafe's inspection record shows fluctuation between strong and poor scores over the past four years:

  • Feb 6, 2026: Score 36 (Grade C range)
  • Feb 20, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • Nov 1, 2024: Score 23 (Grade B range)
  • Apr 10, 2024: Score 9 (Grade A)
  • Aug 28, 2023: Score 21 (Grade B range)
  • Nov 15, 2022: Score 7 (Grade A)
  • Apr 13, 2022: Score 31 (Grade C range)

The pattern shows the cafe alternating between Grade A scores in the single digits and elevated scores in the 20s and 30s. The current score of 36 is the highest recorded for the establishment in the available history. The cafe had achieved a Grade A with a score of 12 as recently as February 2025, one year before this inspection.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer violations:

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

Restaurants receiving a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection. The grade posted at the establishment reflects the most recent adjudicated result.

This inspection was conducted on February 6, 2026, with data released by DOHMH on February 25, 2026. Conditions at the establishment may have changed since the inspection date.

Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. Inspection reports, including specific violation codes and descriptions, are public record.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for L'aroma Deli Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.