Queens, NY — Pizza Damore, located at 208 Beach 116th Street in Queens, received a Grade C following a health inspection conducted April 1, 2026, with inspectors documenting two critical violations and recording a score of 32. The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 6, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors cited two critical violations during the April visit, with no non-critical violations recorded alongside them.

The first violation, Code 02B, documents that a hot temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) food item was not held at or above 140°F. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, hot TCS foods — including cooked proteins, sauces, and other heat-sensitive items — must be maintained at or above 140°F to prevent the growth of pathogens such as Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. Failure to maintain proper holding temperatures is among the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City food service establishments.

The second violation, Code 06C, identifies that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential contamination during storage, preparation, or service. Specifically, inspectors noted that condiments were not stored in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. Under applicable food safety regulations, condiments accessible to customers or used during service must be protected against cross-contamination from repeated handling or environmental exposure.

Both violations were classified as critical, meaning inspectors determined they represent a direct risk to public health if left unaddressed.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the standards food service establishments must meet to operate in New York City. Critical violations are those the DOHMH has determined pose the greatest risk of causing foodborne illness. Temperature control for hot and cold foods is a foundational requirement under both city and federal food safety frameworks, as improper holding temperatures create conditions in which harmful bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels within a relatively short window of time.

The FDA Food Code, which New York City's regulations align with, identifies time and temperature abuse as one of the leading contributing factors to foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. Establishments that receive critical violation citations are expected to correct those conditions, and inspectors may re-inspect to verify compliance.

Inspection History

Pizza Damore's recent inspection record shows variability in scores over the past several years:

  • September 15, 2025: Score 34 (Grade C range)
  • November 28, 2023: Score 7 (Grade A)
  • April 6, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)

The April 2026 score of 32 follows a prior Grade C-range score of 34 recorded in September 2025, indicating the restaurant has received scores in the C range in two consecutive inspections. Before that period, the restaurant had maintained Grade A scores in both 2023 inspections, suggesting a shift in compliance performance over the past year.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City requires restaurants to post their most recent inspection grade in a visible location. Grades are assigned based on the point score received during an unannounced DOHMH inspection:

  • Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 points or higher

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Critical violations carry higher point values than non-critical violations and weigh more heavily in the final score calculation.

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are typically re-inspected within a set timeframe. At the re-inspection, the restaurant may receive a grade or, if it contests its score, may have a hearing before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

Current inspection records for all New York City restaurants are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at the NYC Open Data portal. Residents can search by restaurant name, address, or neighborhood to review recent scores, violation details, and grade history.

More About This Restaurant

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