Manhattan, NY — Mari, a Korean restaurant located at 679 9th Avenue in Manhattan, received a Grade C score of 33 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 30, 2026. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 1, 2026. One critical violation and two non-critical violations were documented during the visit.
What Inspectors Found
The critical violation cited during the inspection involved the absence of a Food Protection Certificate (Code 04A). Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to have at least one manager or supervisor on-site who holds a valid Food Protection Certificate, a credential that demonstrates knowledge of safe food handling practices. The absence of a certified manager is classified as a critical violation because it indicates a gap in trained oversight of food safety operations.
Inspectors also documented two non-critical violations. The first involved deficiencies in dishwashing and ware washing procedures (Code 10G), specifically in the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, utensils, and equipment. Proper sanitization of these items is essential to preventing cross-contamination and the spread of foodborne illness.
The second non-critical violation (Code 10B) noted the absence of required anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices, along with concerns about drainage and liquid waste disposal. Back-flow prevention equipment is required to protect the potable water supply from contamination by wastewater or other substances that could enter through plumbing connections.
No closure order was issued as a result of this inspection.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food safety standards for all food service establishments operating in New York City. The requirement for a Food Protection Certificate holder stems from Section 81.05, which mandates that certified supervisors be present during all hours of operation to ensure compliance with safe food handling practices.
The FDA Food Code, which informs many local health codes including New York City's, identifies improper food safety management and inadequate equipment sanitation as contributing factors in foodborne illness outbreaks. Back-flow prevention requirements are rooted in plumbing and sanitation standards designed to protect drinking water integrity.
A score of 33 places Mari in the Grade C range. Under NYC's restaurant grading system, establishments have the option to request a re-inspection before a grade is posted publicly. The grade posted reflects the most recent completed inspection cycle.
Inspection History
Mari's inspection record prior to this visit showed consistent performance in the Grade A range:
- 2024-10-09: Score 12 (Grade A)
- 2022-11-04: Score 7 (Grade A)
The March 2026 result represents a notable increase in total points compared to the restaurant's prior inspections, both of which were well within the Grade A threshold.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the total number of points accumulated during an inspection. Points are assigned for each violation documented, with critical violations carrying higher point values than non-critical ones. The grade scale is as follows:
- A: 0 to 13 points
- B: 14 to 27 points
- C: 28 points or more
Inspection records for all New York City restaurants are publicly available through the DOHMH's NYC Restaurant Inspection Results database. Consumers can search inspection history, view violation details, and track grade changes for any licensed food service establishment in the five boroughs.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Mari including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.