Manhattan, NY — Lahori Kabab, a Pakistani restaurant at 106 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, received a score of 28 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 9, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C range, the lowest letter grade assigned under the city's restaurant grading system.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 11, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 9 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation at the establishment:

  • Violation Code 09E: A wash hands sign was not posted near or above the hand washing sink.

While the inspection recorded only one non-critical violation, the restaurant's total score of 28 points places it at the threshold of Grade C designation. It should be noted that the city's scoring system is cumulative, and point totals reflect the overall assessment conducted by inspectors during the visit. A score of 28 represents the minimum point total for a Grade C classification.

The action taken by DOHMH was noted as "violations were cited in the following area(s)," indicating that the establishment was not ordered closed at the time of inspection but was required to address the documented issues.

Food Safety Context

Hand washing signage requirements are established under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishment operations throughout the five boroughs. The regulation requires that signs instructing employees to wash hands be conspicuously posted at or near every hand washing facility in food preparation and service areas.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as the model framework for local health regulations nationwide, emphasizes hand hygiene as one of the most critical factors in preventing foodborne illness. Proper hand washing signage serves as a constant visual reminder for food handlers and is considered a foundational element of any food safety program.

While a missing sign may appear minor in isolation, health regulators view signage requirements as part of a broader system of food safety controls. The absence of required postings can indicate gaps in management oversight of sanitation protocols.

Inspection History

Lahori Kabab's prior inspection record with DOHMH includes the following:

  • May 13, 2025: Score 21, Grade N

A Grade N designation indicates that the restaurant received a score between 14 and 27 during an initial inspection and was scheduled for a re-inspection. The progression from a score of 21 to a score of 28 represents an increase in documented violations between inspection cycles.

The February 2026 score of 28 marks the first time the restaurant has crossed into Grade C territory based on available inspection data.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on cumulative point scores from health inspections. Points are assessed for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values. The grading scale is as follows:

  • 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 are offered a re-inspection, typically within 30 days. The restaurant may post the letter grade from either the initial inspection or the re-inspection, whichever is more favorable. Establishments also have the option to challenge their grade through the city's administrative tribunal process.

Grade cards must be posted at the restaurant's entrance where they are visible to the public. Consumers can verify any restaurant's current grade and full inspection history through the DOHMH website or the NYC Open Data portal.

Lahori Kabab is located at 106 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016. The restaurant's complete inspection history and any subsequent re-inspection results are available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov.

More About This Restaurant

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