Bronx, NY — Romans Pizza at 171 West 167 Street received a health inspection score of 29 points during a March 9, 2026 inspection by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The score places the pizzeria in Grade C territory, with inspectors citing one non-critical violation related to dishwashing and sanitizing procedures. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 11, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented deficiencies in the restaurant's dishwashing and ware washing procedures, specifically citing inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, dishes, utensils, and equipment. This violation falls under NYC Health Code Section 10G, which establishes standards for proper sanitization of food contact surfaces.

The violation was classified as non-critical, meaning it did not pose an immediate threat to public health but represented a departure from required food safety standards. The restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection, and violations were cited for correction.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments must maintain proper procedures for cleaning and sanitizing dishes, utensils, and food preparation equipment. The FDA Food Code requires that tableware and equipment be washed, rinsed, and sanitized using approved methods, typically involving chemical sanitizers at specified concentrations or hot water at temperatures sufficient to eliminate pathogens.

Proper dishwashing procedures serve as a critical control point in preventing cross-contamination and foodborne illness. Equipment and utensils that contact food must be free from harmful bacteria, with sanitization verified through test strips or temperature monitoring depending on the method used.

The Health Department assigns points for each violation observed during inspections, with higher point totals indicating more serious or numerous deficiencies. Scores of 28 points or higher result in a Grade C, signaling that the establishment has substantial room for improvement in food safety practices.

Inspection History

Romans Pizza has undergone multiple inspections over the past year, with varying results:

  • October 27, 2025: Score 2
  • October 22, 2025: Score 57, Closed by DOHMH
  • July 23, 2025: Score 14 (Grade B)
  • March 3, 2025: Score 39

The inspection record shows the restaurant was previously closed on October 22, 2025 after receiving a score of 57 points. The establishment subsequently achieved a score of 2 points on October 27, 2025, indicating substantial corrections were made before reopening. The current score of 29 points represents a decline from that improved performance but remains significantly better than the score that led to the October closure.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City restaurant grades reflect the total points assessed during health inspections, with lower scores indicating better compliance:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points
  • Grade B: 14-27 points
  • Grade C: 28 points or higher

Restaurants scoring 28 points or more must post a Grade C until a re-inspection demonstrates improved compliance. Establishments have the right to request re-inspection, and many work with health inspectors to address violations and improve their scores.

The grading system provides transparency to diners about the conditions observed during the most recent inspection. All inspection results are public record and searchable through the NYC Health Department's online restaurant inspection database.

Resources and Next Steps

Consumers can verify current inspection grades and review detailed violation histories for any NYC restaurant through the Department of Health's online inspection database. The Health Department conducts unannounced inspections at least once per year for all permitted food service establishments, with additional inspections triggered by complaints or previous violations.

Romans Pizza will have the opportunity to request a re-inspection to demonstrate compliance with food safety standards and potentially improve its grade. Under city regulations, restaurants must correct violations and can work with health department staff on proper procedures.

For questions about food safety or to report concerns about restaurant conditions, the public can contact 311 or visit the NYC Health Department website for inspection records and food safety resources.

More About This Restaurant

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