Brooklyn, NY — Mi Bella Dama, a Spanish restaurant at 296 Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, received a Grade B following a New York City health inspection conducted April 7, 2026. The restaurant scored 27 points — the maximum score within the Grade B range and one point away from a Grade C designation. Inspection data was released by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 9, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

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

The critical violation, Code 04M, recorded live roaches present in the facility's food or non-food area. Live pest activity is classified as a critical violation under NYC health regulations because it presents a direct risk of food contamination.

The non-critical violation, Code 10F, cited non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, spaced, or positioned to allow adequate cleaning on all sides and underneath. This type of violation typically reflects maintenance or sanitation gaps in the facility's physical infrastructure.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and guidance aligned with the FDA Food Code, restaurants operating in New York City are subject to unannounced inspections conducted by DOHMH. Violations are assigned point values based on their public health risk, with critical violations carrying higher point totals.

Live pest activity, such as the roach presence identified at Mi Bella Dama, is addressed directly under these standards because insects can transfer pathogens to food, food contact surfaces, and preparation areas. Equipment maintenance violations, while non-critical, are noted because inaccessible or improperly maintained surfaces can harbor bacteria and pests over time.

A score of 27 places the restaurant at the upper boundary of the Grade B range. Had the facility scored one additional point, it would have fallen into Grade C territory.

Inspection History

Mi Bella Dama's recent inspection record shows variability in performance:

  • Feb 25, 2026: Score 31 (above Grade C threshold)
  • Nov 27, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • Aug 9, 2024: Score 28

The restaurant earned a Grade A as recently as November 2024, indicating it has previously met the highest standard. The two most recent inspections, however, recorded scores above 27.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grade system is based on inspection scores assigned during DOHMH visits:

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

Lower scores reflect fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that score above 13 on an initial inspection are re-inspected, and the grade posted publicly reflects the most recent completed inspection cycle.

Inspection records for all NYC restaurants are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health. Diners can search any establishment by name or address to review full violation histories and current grade status.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Mi Bella Dama including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.