Brooklyn, NY — Ouma's Cafe, an American restaurant at 676 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, received a Grade B score of 27 following a health inspection conducted on February 21, 2026. The score places the establishment at the upper boundary of the Grade B range, one point below the threshold for a Grade C rating. Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection identified two violations at Ouma's Cafe, one classified as critical and one as non-critical under the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) scoring system.

The critical violation, cited under Code 04N, documented the presence of filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies in the establishment's food and non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies, and fruit flies. The presence of these flies in a food service environment is classified as critical because they can transfer pathogens from contaminated surfaces to food and food preparation areas.

The non-critical violation, cited under Code 08A, noted that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation typically indicates that structural or sanitation conditions exist that could attract or shelter pests, such as gaps in walls, improper waste storage, or accumulation of debris.

Together, the two violations suggest a pattern related to pest management and sanitation at the time of inspection.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain conditions that prevent pest harborage and infestation. The FDA Food Code further establishes that food establishments must implement effective pest management practices, including eliminating entry points, maintaining clean facilities, and addressing conditions that attract pests.

Fly activity in food service environments is a particular concern because flies are known vectors for bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella. The DOHMH assigns higher point values to critical violations like fly presence because of the direct risk they pose to food safety.

A score of 27 places Ouma's Cafe at the very top of the Grade B range. The DOHMH did not order the restaurant closed; the action recorded was that violations were cited in the identified areas.

Inspection History

No prior inspection history is available for Ouma's Cafe in the DOHMH public database. This appears to be the first recorded inspection for this establishment at this location. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 23, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on violation point totals during inspections:

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

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection or contest their grade through an administrative tribunal hearing.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by checking the letter grade posted at the establishment's entrance as required by law. Ouma's Cafe is located at 676 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Ouma's Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.