Manhattan, NY — Matto Espresso, a coffee and tea establishment at 780 3rd Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, received a score of 41 points during a health inspection conducted on February 6, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two critical violations, including cold food held at unsafe temperatures and improperly stored wiping cloths.

The inspection results were released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 13, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant violation involved cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, perishable foods such as dairy, deli meats, and prepared items must be maintained at or below 41°F to prevent bacterial growth. When cold foods are stored above this threshold, harmful bacteria including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply to dangerous levels within hours.

Inspectors also cited the establishment for wiping cloths that were not stored clean and dry or kept in a sanitizing solution between uses. Wiping cloths used on food contact surfaces can become a vehicle for cross-contamination when not properly maintained. Health regulations require that cloths either be stored in an approved sanitizing solution at the correct concentration or kept clean and dry when not in active use.

A non-critical violation was additionally noted for failure to post caloric content on menus or menu boards. This requirement applies to food service establishments that are part of a chain of 15 or more outlets operating nationally under common ownership, control, or franchise agreement, for standardized menu items.

Food Safety Context

The temperature control violation is classified as critical because it directly relates to conditions that can cause foodborne illness. According to the FDA Food Code, the temperature range between 41°F and 135°F is known as the "danger zone," where bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes under certain conditions.

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. These regulations align with federal FDA Food Code guidelines and are enforced through the DOHMH inspection program. Critical violations are those that, if not corrected, are most likely to contribute to foodborne illness or injury.

The wiping cloth violation, while sometimes overlooked, is a recognized pathway for cross-contamination in food service settings. The FDA Food Code specifies that cloths used for wiping food contact surfaces must be used only once before laundering or stored in a chemical sanitizer solution of proper concentration between uses.

Inspection History

Matto Espresso's February 2026 inspection is the latest in a pattern of elevated scores over the past several months:

  • November 24, 2025: Score 47 (Grade N)
  • December 23, 2025: Score 47 (Grade N)
  • February 6, 2026: Score 41 (Grade C)

A Grade N designation indicates that the restaurant has not yet received a final letter grade and may be within the re-inspection cycle. While the most recent score of 41 represents a modest improvement from the prior scores of 47, it still falls well above the threshold for a Grade C designation.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total points accumulated during a health inspection. Points are assigned for each violation found, with critical violations carrying higher point values:

  • A: 0–13 points — The establishment is in substantial compliance with health regulations
  • B: 14–27 points — Some violations were identified that require correction
  • C: 28 or more points — Significant violations were documented

Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with food safety regulations. A score of 41 reflects multiple violations that health officials determined require attention.

Consumers can look up any New York City restaurant's inspection results through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The database includes current grades, inspection scores, and specific violations for all inspected food service establishments in the five boroughs.

More About This Restaurant

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