Queens, NY — Mon Cheri, an Italian restaurant at 64-14 Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood, received a Grade B following a health inspection conducted March 16, 2026. The establishment scored 23 points, placing it near the upper boundary of the B range and within 5 points of the Grade C threshold. Inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 20, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one non-critical violation during the visit. No critical violations were recorded.

The single citation, Code 08A, notes that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This type of violation refers to physical conditions in or around the premises — such as gaps in walls, improper storage, or accumulated debris — that could provide shelter or access for pests. While no active pest activity was necessarily observed, the presence of such conditions is cited as a potential risk under applicable food safety standards.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all permitted food service establishments in New York City are subject to unannounced inspections. Points are assigned based on the nature and severity of violations identified, with critical violations generally carrying higher point values than non-critical ones.

The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's inspection criteria, identifies pest harborage as a contributing factor to foodborne illness risk, even in the absence of active infestation. Establishments are expected to maintain physical conditions that prevent pest access and eliminate potential nesting or harboring environments.

A score of 23 falls within the Grade B band. While it does not trigger closure or require an immediate re-inspection under the grade-pending process, it does reflect a meaningful accumulation of points relative to the top of the B range.

Inspection History

Mon Cheri's recent inspection record shows variation in scores over the past several years:

  • November 5, 2025: Score 28
  • April 24, 2024: Score 9 (Grade A)
  • September 11, 2023: Score 13
  • May 3, 2023: Score 26

The November 2025 inspection resulted in a score of 28, which falls within the Grade C range. The most recent score of 23 represents an improvement from that visit, though it remains in the upper portion of the B band. The April 2024 inspection produced the establishment's strongest recent result, a score of 9 and a Grade A.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system is based on the total point score assigned during an inspection:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Grades are required to be posted at the entrance of the establishment. Restaurants that do not receive an A on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection before a grade is officially assigned and posted.

Consumers can view the full inspection history 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 Mon Cheri including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.