Brooklyn, NY — Lello's Pizza, located at 4018 Glenwood Road in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on May 18, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 55, placing the establishment in C-grade range under the city's restaurant grading system. The closure data was released by DOHMH on May 20, 2026.
According to inspection records, violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection, a standard condition of the closure process. The restaurant received one non-critical violation during the visit.
What Inspectors Found
The single violation cited during the May 18 inspection falls under NYC Health Code violation code 10B, which covers plumbing and drainage deficiencies. Specifically, inspectors documented that an anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device was not provided where required, or that equipment or floor drainage was not functioning properly. The violation category also encompasses sewage disposal systems in disrepair and the improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.
While the violation is classified as non-critical — meaning it does not represent a direct, immediate threat of foodborne illness — plumbing and drainage deficiencies can contribute to unsanitary conditions if left unaddressed. Back-flow prevention devices are designed to stop contaminated water from re-entering the potable water supply, and proper drainage systems are essential to maintaining a clean food preparation environment.
The score of 55 is notably high. Under New York City's grading system, any score of 28 or above results in a C grade, and a score of 55 reflects a substantial number of points assessed against the establishment.
Food Safety Context
New York City restaurant inspections are conducted under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes sanitary standards for food service establishments operating within the five boroughs. The inspection program is administered by DOHMH and covers a broad range of requirements including food handling, temperature control, pest management, facility maintenance, and plumbing.
The FDA Food Code, which informs many state and local food safety regulations, identifies back-flow prevention as a critical component of a safe water supply in food service environments. Cross-connections between potable water lines and potential sources of contamination can pose health risks if not properly controlled through certified back-flow prevention assemblies or air gaps.
When DOHMH inspectors identify violations that require immediate corrective action, they work with the establishment to address those conditions before the restaurant can resume operations. A closure by DOHMH does not necessarily indicate that the restaurant remains closed — establishments may reopen once inspectors verify that the conditions prompting the closure have been corrected.
Inspection History
Lello's Pizza has been inspected multiple times in recent years. The prior inspection record shows a pattern of varying scores:
- November 10, 2025: Score 23
- September 8, 2025: Score 24 (Grade B)
- May 6, 2025: Score 11
- January 29, 2024: Score 43
The May 2025 score of 11 would have earned the restaurant an A grade, and the scores from fall 2025 fall within B-grade range. The January 2024 score of 43 is consistent with the C-grade range, similar to the current inspection. The variability in scores across inspections is not uncommon for restaurant establishments, where conditions can change between inspection cycles.
The current score of 55 represents the highest recorded score in the available inspection history for this location, and the first documented closure action in the recent record.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City requires most restaurants to post a letter grade following each inspection cycle. Grades are determined by the score assigned during the initial or re-inspection visit:
- Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
- Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
- Grade C: Score of 28 points or more
Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with health code standards. Restaurants that receive a score above 13 on an initial inspection are typically given the opportunity for a re-inspection before a final grade is assigned and posted. During the period between initial inspection and re-inspection, an establishment may display a Grade Pending card in lieu of a letter grade.
Inspection records for all New York City restaurants, including full violation details and historical scores, are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at the NYC Open Data portal. Consumers can search by restaurant name, address, or cuisine type to review the complete inspection history of any licensed food service establishment in the five boroughs.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Lello's Pizza including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.