Manhattan, NY — Nakamura, a Japanese restaurant located at 172 Delancey Street in Manhattan, was re-closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on May 4, 2026. Despite receiving a score of 10 — which falls within the range required for a Grade A — the establishment was ordered closed due to a critical pest-related violation. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on May 8, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the May 4 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited one critical violation under Code 04M: the presence of live roaches in the facility's food or non-food area.

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, the presence of live roaches constitutes a critical violation because of the direct public health risk these pests pose. Roaches are known vectors for pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and various parasites. Their presence in a food service environment can result in contamination of food, food contact surfaces, and preparation equipment.

Even when an establishment's numeric score would otherwise qualify for a Grade A, DOHMH retains authority to order a closure when conditions are deemed to present an imminent hazard to public health. The re-closure action reflects that determination by inspectors on site.

Food Safety Context

The critical violation cited — live roaches — is addressed under both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Article 81.22 of the NYC Health Code requires that all food service establishments maintain premises free of pests and implement effective pest control measures. The FDA Food Code similarly classifies active pest infestation as a condition warranting immediate corrective action.

Pest control in a food service environment is a multi-layered obligation. Operators are required not only to eliminate existing infestations but to address conditions that allow pests to enter or persist — including gaps in structural elements, improper food storage, and inadequate sanitation practices.

When a closure is issued, the establishment must correct the cited conditions and pass a reinspection before it is permitted to reopen. DOHMH does not publish a set timeline for reinspection; the process is initiated by the operator after corrective measures have been completed.

It is worth noting that the numeric score of 10 recorded during this inspection would, absent the closure order, qualify as a Grade A under the city's grading system. The closure underscores that grade eligibility and closure authority operate independently — a score alone does not guarantee that an establishment will remain open.

Inspection History

Nakamura's inspection record over the past several years shows variability, with a notably poor result in April 2026 preceding this re-closure:

  • April 16, 2026: Score 96 — Closed by DOHMH
  • June 11, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • May 11, 2024: Score 0
  • July 19, 2022: Score 10 (Grade A)

The April 2026 closure, which produced a score of 96, represents a significant departure from the establishment's prior record. Between 2022 and 2024, Nakamura consistently received low scores and Grade A ratings. The circumstances that led to the April closure — and the subsequent re-closure in May — are not detailed in DOHMH's public inspection data beyond the violation codes cited.

The term "re-closed" in the May 4 action indicates that the restaurant had been permitted to reopen after the April closure but was found to have an unresolved or recurring condition during follow-up inspection.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the total number of points assessed during an inspection. Points are added for each violation found, with critical violations carrying more weight than non-critical ones. The grade scale is as follows:

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

Establishments that are closed or that receive a score that would result in a B or C may request an Administrative Tribunal hearing and a re-inspection before a final grade is assigned and posted. Grades are required to be displayed prominently at the entrance of the establishment.

The public can access current and historical inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection database at the NYC Open Data portal or through the city's official restaurant search tool.

More About This Restaurant

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