Manhattan, NY — Perista Cafe, a coffee and tea establishment at 158 Dyckman Street in the Inwood neighborhood, received a score of 39 points during a health inspection conducted on February 19, 2026, according to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) records. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, a significant decline from its most recent Grade A rating.
Inspectors documented two critical violations and one non-critical violation during the inspection. The data was released by DOHMH on February 23, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The most serious violation involved improper food reheating practices. Inspectors found that hot time and temperature control for safety (TCS) food that had been previously cooked and cooled was being held for service without first being reheated to 165°F or above within two hours, as required by food safety regulations. This violation is classified as critical because foods held in the temperature danger zone — between 41°F and 140°F — can allow rapid bacterial growth that may cause foodborne illness.
The second critical violation cited the absence of properly scaled and calibrated thermometers or thermocouples in food preparation and hot and cold holding areas. Without accessible temperature-measuring devices, staff cannot verify that TCS foods are being maintained at safe temperatures during cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding. This violation compounds the first, as the lack of thermometers makes it difficult for the establishment to monitor and ensure proper food temperatures.
Inspectors also documented one non-critical violation related to plumbing and drainage. The citation noted issues with anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices, improper equipment or floor drainage, or improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste. While classified as non-critical, plumbing deficiencies can create unsanitary conditions if left unaddressed.
Food Safety Context
The food temperature violations documented at Perista Cafe relate to requirements established under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Both regulatory frameworks emphasize temperature control as a primary defense against foodborne illness.
The FDA Food Code requires that cooked TCS foods being reheated for hot holding must reach an internal temperature of 165°F within two hours. This standard exists because the reheating process must move food through the temperature danger zone quickly enough to prevent bacterial multiplication to harmful levels. Common pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens can multiply rapidly in foods held at improper temperatures.
The requirement for accessible, calibrated thermometers is a foundational food safety standard. Temperature monitoring allows food service workers to verify that cooking, cooling, and holding processes are achieving the temperatures necessary to keep food safe for consumption.
Inspection History
The 39-point score represents a notable departure from Perista Cafe's prior inspection record. The establishment's history with DOHMH shows:
- November 21, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
- May 13, 2024: Score 24
- December 12, 2022: Score 10 (Grade A)
- December 2, 2021: Score 13 (Grade A)
The cafe had maintained Grade A scores in three of its four most recent inspections, with scores of 13, 10, and 13 points respectively. The May 2024 inspection resulted in a score of 24, which falls within the Grade B range but did not result in a posted letter grade based on available records. The current score of 39 is the highest point total recorded for the establishment in its available inspection history.
According to the DOHMH action record, violations were cited but no closure was ordered at the time of this inspection.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores under the following scale:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 39 falls within the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection or contest the results through an administrative hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Inspection results for all New York City restaurants are public record and can be viewed on the DOHMH website or through the NYC Open Data portal. Consumers can look up any restaurant's current grade, inspection history, and specific violations cited.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Perista Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.