New York, NY — On April 7, 2026, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene completed inspections at 123 restaurants across all five boroughs, awarding each establishment a Grade A score. The group averaged 8.7 points — well within the 0–13 point range required for top marks — and represents a cross-section of the city's dining landscape, from coffee bars and pizza counters to West African kitchens and French patisseries.
The Inspections
Among the standout performers, Petisco Brazuca at 100 Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan recorded a score of 0, with no violations documented during the visit — a clean sweep under NYC Health Code Article 81. Mikhuy, a Peruvian restaurant at 586 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, also earned a perfect score of 0, as did Taqueria Al Pastor in Midtown Manhattan.
Several well-known chains were also inspected. Chipotle Mexican Grill on Varick Street in Manhattan earned a score of 2, with inspectors noting a non-food contact surface maintenance issue — a minor finding that did not prevent a Grade A result. Sofia's Pizza in Queens and Paris Baguette in Jackson Heights each also recorded scores of 2.
At the higher end of the Grade A range, Lombardi's — the historic Spring Street pizzeria in Manhattan — earned a score of 12, with inspectors citing a cold-holding temperature concern for TCS (time/temperature control for safety) food. John's Pizza on West 44th Street scored 9 points, with an inspector noting a bare-hand contact concern with ready-to-eat foods. Both restaurants remained within Grade A territory under the city's scoring system.
Suram at 21 West End Avenue in Manhattan, a Japanese restaurant, recorded a score of 9 after inspectors documented evidence of mice in the establishment. Felix Roasting Co on Park Avenue South scored 12 points after a similar finding. Tiger Sugar, a bubble tea shop in Flushing, Queens, scored 12 points following documentation of rat activity. While these findings are serious under FDA Food Code provisions, each establishment's total point tally fell within Grade A boundaries on the day of inspection.
Other notable restaurants earning Grade A marks included Laduree Soho in Manhattan (7 points), Maman in the Flatiron District (10 points, with a mouse evidence citation), The Grey Dog on West 26th Street (10 points, flies documented), and Miznon in Chelsea (6 points).
Across the boroughs, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill in Brooklyn's Cypress Hills neighborhood scored 3 points, Empire East in Staten Island scored 5 points, and Good Taste Garden in the South Bronx scored 7 points with a cold-holding temperature note.
Several newer or first-time inspected restaurants received "Pending" or "N" grades rather than a letter grade despite their scores, as the city's grading system does not assign a letter on an establishment's initial inspection cycle. Jin Xi Dessert in Brooklyn and Lagrange in Manhattan both fell into this category with scores of 2 and 3, respectively.
Common Patterns
The most frequently cited violation category across the 123 restaurants involved non-food contact surfaces — equipment or materials that were not kept clean, were improperly sealed, or did not meet material standards. This finding appeared in dozens of inspection reports and typically results in a 2- to 5-point deduction depending on severity.
Temperature control violations were the second most common finding. Restaurants including Balboa in Brooklyn (10 points), Kung Fu Tea in Queens (11 points), Black Iron Burger in Midtown (12 points), and Narkara in Manhattan (13 points) each had hot TCS food cited as not held at or above the required 140°F threshold.
Dishwashing and ware-washing deficiencies appeared at Golden Panda Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn (9 points), Mezcali in the Financial District (10 points), and John's Deli in Brooklyn (13 points), among others.
Coffee shops and cafes were heavily represented in the day's inspections. Blank Street Coffee, La Colombe, Enly, Holydog Cafe, Lobby Coffee Bar, and Manon Cafe, Leonidas all earned Grade A scores. Queens showed strong representation as well, with establishments like Cha Menya, Willows Tavern, Cups N Cakes Cafe, and Xingyue Eatery all passing.
What This Means for Diners
A Grade A result means that on the day of inspection, an establishment scored 13 points or fewer. Inspectors evaluate dozens of criteria drawn from the FDA Food Code and NYC Health Code Article 81, covering food handling, storage, temperature control, pest management, employee hygiene, facility maintenance, and equipment sanitation.
Earning a Grade A does not mean an inspection was violation-free. Many Grade A establishments have documented findings that were either corrected on-site or fell below the point threshold for a lower grade. Restaurants are required to post their letter grade in a visible location near the entrance. Diners can look up any restaurant's full inspection history, including all documented violations and scores, through the NYC Department of Health's online restaurant inspection database.
Restaurants that score between 14 and 27 points receive a Grade B. A score of 28 points or higher results in a Grade C. Establishments that score above Grade A range on an initial inspection are not given a letter grade immediately — instead, they are reinspected within a set window, and the resulting score determines the posted grade.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system has been in place since 2010 and is administered by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Each unannounced inspection generates a numerical score, with points added for each violation found.
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Violations are weighted by severity. A condition that poses an immediate public health hazard — such as evidence of rodents near food prep areas or improper cooling of potentially hazardous foods — carries more points than a lower-risk finding like a missing thermometer in a refrigeration unit.
Restaurants that do not achieve a Grade A on their first inspection of a cycle are given the opportunity for a second, "grade pending" inspection before a letter grade is assigned and posted. This two-step process is intended to give establishments a chance to correct violations before a public grade is recorded.
Diners can search any restaurant's full inspection record at the NYC Health Department's restaurant inspection results portal. Inspection history, including violation descriptions and dates, is publicly available for all permitted food service establishments in the five boroughs.