New York, NY — Forty-four New York City restaurants received Grade A health inspection scores on April 1, 2026, according to records from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The inspected establishments span all five boroughs and represent a wide range of cuisines, from Korean barbecue and Japanese ramen to Italian classics and American diners. The average score across all 44 locations was 9.6 points, well within the Grade A threshold.
The Inspections
Among the day's standout performers, Popeyes on Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Manhattan posted the lowest score of the group at 2 points, with an inspector noting a back-flow prevention device issue and drainage concern — minor plumbing-related findings that kept it squarely in Grade A territory.
Scholastic - Clifford's Cafe at 557 Broadway in SoHo scored 3 points, with violations related to food contact surface maintenance and missing nutrition fact labeling on bulk cooking oils. Citi Hospitality on Greenwich Street and White & Case Cafe at 1221 Avenue of the Americas each scored 5 points, both cited for non-food contact surface maintenance issues.
In Brooklyn, Dallas BBQ on Livingston Street earned a 7-point score. Inspectors noted cold TCS food held above 41°F, a temperature control violation under NYC Health Code Article 81. Across the borough in Bushwick, 101 Wilson Bar also scored 7 points, with a citation for improper washing and sanitizing of food contact surfaces.
In Sunset Park, Zheng Lu Wei on 8th Avenue scored 7 points for storage protection concerns, while King Sagitarius in Jamaica, Queens, matched that score with a similar citation.
Midtown Manhattan saw several restaurants inspected. Little Italy Pizza on West 45th Street scored 7 points for storage and contamination protection issues. Sixty Three Clinton on the Lower East Side, a New American restaurant, earned 7 points with two violations — surface maintenance and sanitizing practices.
Holydog Cafe on Lexington Avenue scored 8 points, with inspectors documenting storage protection concerns and a missing pest management contract. Boqueria on Spring Street in SoHo scored 9 points for an improper thawing procedure — a common finding governed by FDA Food Code guidelines for safe temperature management during defrosting. Yi Ji Shi Mo Noodle in Chinatown and I'milky on 6th Avenue both scored 9 points, each cited for food contact surface sanitation and equipment maintenance.
In Queens, La Reyna De Tehuacan on Jamaica Avenue scored 9 points for surface maintenance, while Bi Won in Oakland Gardens scored 10 points for a similar citation.
Several establishments scored 10 points: Lassen & Hennigs in Brooklyn Heights was cited for storage protection; Dunkin on Fifth Avenue noted harborage conditions conducive to pests; El Burro Mexican Grill in Bushwick was cited for a missing handwashing facility; Ziggle K-Food on 3rd Avenue for a back-flow prevention device; J & E Party in Bensonhurst for a missing handwashing facility; and Moca & Co on Staten Island for a missing Food Protection Certificate.
At 11 points, Land-O-Fun in Sheepshead Bay was cited for a missing handwashing sign. Sunday In Brooklyn in Williamsburg scored 11 points for storage protection issues. Yama Ramen and Blank Street Coffee in Midtown each scored 11 points for back-flow prevention device citations. Rigor Hill Market in Tribeca scored 11 points for damaged canned goods not properly segregated, and Mr. Nancy's in Ridgewood, Queens, scored 11 points for single-service article handling concerns.
At the top of the Grade A range, Harmonie Club on East 60th Street and Quality Meats on West 58th Street each scored 12 points for non-food contact surface maintenance. 21 Greenpoint in Brooklyn scored 12 points with multiple citations including evidence of mice and harborage conditions. About Coffee on Columbus Avenue, Clinton St. Baking Company in Brooklyn, 7th Street Burger on Amsterdam Avenue, Jet's Pizza on Flatbush Avenue, and Exclusive Pizza on West 181st Street all scored 12 points.
Rounding out the day's inspections at 13 points — the maximum for a Grade A — were Casa Bella on Mulberry Street in Little Italy, Dunkin' on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, Quality Bistro on Avenue of the Americas, Mercer Food Hall in SoHo, Little More in Tribeca, and Carnegie Diner & Cafe/Delos Greek Restaurant/Carnegie Catering on Avenue of the Americas. Also scoring 13 points was Dunkin Donuts in the Bronx and Dunkin on Staten Island, both with surface-related citations.
Common Patterns
The most frequently cited violation category across the April 1 inspections involved non-food contact surface maintenance — equipment cleanliness, sealing, and materials. This category appeared in roughly a third of the day's inspections and represents one of the most common findings citywide. Storage protection violations, covering how food, supplies, and equipment are shielded from potential contamination, were the second most common citation.
American cuisine establishments made up the largest share of the 44 restaurants inspected, followed by coffee and tea shops — reflecting how broadly the Health Department's daily inspection schedule spans establishment types. Geographically, Manhattan dominated the day's list with over half the inspected locations, though Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island were all represented.
What This Means for Diners
All 44 establishments inspected on April 1, 2026 earned Grade A status, meaning each scored between 0 and 13 points — the cleanest tier in New York City's inspection system. Violations noted during these inspections are typically minor or correctable, and a Grade A does not mean a restaurant received a perfect score. It means any documented deficiencies fell within an acceptable range under NYC Health Code Article 81.
Diners can look up any restaurant's current grade, full inspection history, and violation details through the NYC Health Department's online restaurant inspection results tool. Grades must be posted prominently at the entrance of every inspected establishment.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City uses a letter-grade system based on points assigned during unannounced inspections:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points — meets or exceeds city standards
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points — some violations present; re-inspection required
- Grade C: 28 or more points — significant violations identified
Points are assigned for each violation found, with severity determining the point value. Critical violations — those most directly linked to foodborne illness risk, such as improper temperature control or inadequate handwashing facilities — carry higher point values. Non-critical violations, such as surface maintenance or labeling issues, carry fewer points.
Restaurants that score in the Grade B or C range during an initial inspection are re-inspected within 30 to 45 days. The grade posted at the door reflects either the initial or re-inspection score, whichever is more favorable, provided the restaurant meets Grade A or B standards.
For the full inspection record of any NYC restaurant, visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's restaurant search portal or check the listings at NYCRestaurantInspections.com.