Manhattan, NY — Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, located at 2084 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, received a Grade B following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 18, 2026. The establishment scored 26 points — placing it at the upper boundary of the Grade B range and two points below the threshold at which a Grade C is assigned.

Inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 23, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented four violations during the visit — two critical and two non-critical.

The first critical violation, cited under Code 05D, identified that the handwashing facility was not accessible or was being used for non-handwashing purposes. Regulations require that handwashing sinks remain available, unobstructed, and stocked with soap and an acceptable hand-drying device at all times. Restricted access to handwashing facilities is among the violations most directly linked to the risk of foodborne illness transmission.

The second critical violation, cited under Code 06C, noted that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential contamination. Specifically, condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor — a requirement designed to prevent cross-contamination between customers.

Both non-critical violations were recorded under Code 20-06: the current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted as required by law.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and aligned standards in the FDA Food Code, restaurants are required to maintain accessible handwashing stations throughout areas where food is prepared, handled, or served. These provisions exist to support basic hygiene practices among food service workers.

Condiment handling standards similarly reflect FDA Food Code guidance on preventing cross-contact between customers and food contact surfaces. Single-use packaging or vendor-controlled dispensing reduces the opportunity for contamination.

Posting of the current inspection grade is a consumer transparency requirement under New York City law. Failure to display the grade card — regardless of the grade itself — is cited as a separate violation.

Inspection History

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant has been inspected multiple times in recent years. The record shows a pattern of scores in the higher ranges:

  • July 21, 2025: Score 25 (Grade B)
  • February 7, 2024: Score 50 (Grade C)
  • April 5, 2023: Score 32 (Grade C)

The current score of 26 continues a trend of elevated scores, though it represents an improvement over the two prior Grade C results.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores using the following scale:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest number of violations)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 26 falls within the Grade B range but sits near the upper boundary. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade are typically subject to a follow-up inspection.

Consumers can look up current inspection results for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.