Queens, NY — Riazor Blues, a tapas restaurant located at 89-05 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, received a score of 55 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on April 2, 2026. The score places the restaurant in the Grade C range, which applies to any establishment scoring 28 or above. Inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on April 6, 2026.
The result marks a significant departure from the restaurant's recent inspection record, which had shown consistent Grade A scores over three prior cycles.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented one non-critical violation during the April 2 visit:
Code 10D: Mechanical or natural ventilation not provided, inadequate, improperly installed, in disrepair, or failing to prevent and control excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke, or fumes.
No critical violations were recorded during the inspection. Critical violations, under NYC Health Code Article 81, are those most directly linked to foodborne illness risk, such as improper food temperature control, evidence of pests, or contaminated food sources. The single violation cited in this inspection falls into the non-critical category, meaning it relates to facility conditions rather than an immediate food safety hazard.
That said, a score of 55 is notably high for a single non-critical violation. Inspection scores reflect the cumulative point value assigned to each violation based on its severity and scope. The point value assessed for a ventilation deficiency can vary depending on the extent of the condition observed — including how widespread the build-up is, how long it appears to have persisted, and how significantly it affects the establishment's food preparation environment.
No closure action was taken. The inspection record indicates violations were cited, but the restaurant remained open.
Food Safety Context
Ventilation requirements for food service establishments are addressed under NYC Health Code Article 81 and align with standards outlined in the FDA Food Code. Adequate ventilation serves several food safety functions: it removes excess heat and moisture that can accelerate bacterial growth, controls grease accumulation that presents a fire risk, and helps maintain air quality in areas where food is prepared and stored.
When ventilation systems are inadequate or in disrepair, grease and condensation can accumulate on surfaces near cooking equipment, increasing the potential for contamination of food contact surfaces. Inspectors assess whether the installed system is functioning as designed and whether it is being maintained in a manner sufficient to control byproducts of cooking activity.
Violations under Code 10D do not carry the same immediate public health weight as critical violations, but they can contribute substantially to an establishment's point total depending on inspector assessment of severity.
Inspection History
Riazor Blues has maintained strong inspection scores in prior cycles. The restaurant's recorded history is as follows:
- June 27, 2024: Score 10, Grade A
- April 13, 2023: Score 13, Grade A
- July 23, 2021: Score 13, Grade A
The April 2026 result is the first Grade C on record for the establishment based on available DOHMH data. The restaurant had not previously been cited in a way that brought its score above the Grade A threshold.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the numeric score an establishment receives during inspection. The grade reflects the total point value of all violations documented during a given visit:
- A grade (0–13 points): Fewest violations or lowest severity
- B grade (14–27 points): Moderate violations requiring corrective action
- C grade (28 or more points): More extensive or severe violations identified
Establishments that receive a grade of B or C are entitled to request a re-inspection, at which point a new score is calculated. The grade posted publicly reflects the most recent completed inspection cycle. If a restaurant requests re-inspection, the resulting grade replaces the initial score for public display purposes.
Inspection records for all New York City restaurants are available through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov/health. Members of the public can search by restaurant name, address, or borough to review full inspection histories, individual violation codes, and grade history.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Riazor Blues including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.