Manhattan, NY — Rudraks Fine Indian Cuisine, located at 706 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side, received a score of 40 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 11, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, indicating 28 or more violation points. Inspectors documented one critical violation related to pest activity on the premises.
The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 13, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 11 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited Rudraks Fine Indian Cuisine for one critical violation under code 04N. Inspectors identified filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in the establishment's food and non-food areas. FRSA flies encompass a range of pest species including house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies, and fruit flies.
The presence of flies and nuisance pests in a food service establishment is classified as a critical violation because these pests can carry and transmit pathogens that cause foodborne illness. Flies in particular are known vectors for bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, as they move between contaminated surfaces and food preparation areas.
No non-critical violations were noted during this inspection. The action recorded by DOHMH was that violations were cited in the noted area.
Food Safety Context
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments are required to maintain their premises free of pests. Section 81.17 specifically mandates that establishments take effective measures to prevent the entry and harborage of pests, including flies, roaches, and rodents. The FDA Food Code further reinforces that food establishments must implement integrated pest management practices and that the presence of pests in food handling areas constitutes a significant public health concern.
A critical violation under the NYC inspection system carries higher point values because it represents a condition more likely to contribute directly to foodborne illness or food contamination. Pest-related violations are among the most commonly cited critical findings across New York City food establishments.
Restaurants that receive a Grade C are required to post the grade card in a location visible to customers. They are also entitled to request a re-inspection or appear before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) to adjudicate the grade.
Inspection History
Rudraks Fine Indian Cuisine's recent inspection record shows a pattern of elevated scores over the past year:
- February 11, 2026: Score 40 (current inspection)
- January 21, 2026: Score 42
- October 9, 2025: Score 21 (Grade Z)
- May 8, 2025: Score 40
The restaurant has recorded scores of 40 or higher in three of its last four inspections. The January 2026 inspection, conducted just three weeks prior to the current one, resulted in an even higher score of 42. The October 2025 inspection yielded a lower score of 21, though it received a Grade Z designation, which indicates the grade was pending adjudication at the time.
The recurring elevated scores suggest ongoing compliance challenges at this location. Under DOHMH protocols, restaurants with repeated poor performance may be subject to increased inspection frequency.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total violation points accumulated during an inspection:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points — indicates minimal or no violations
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points — indicates moderate violations identified
- Grade C: 28 or more points — indicates more significant violations documented
Lower scores reflect better compliance with health and safety regulations. Each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and the condition observed. Critical violations generally carry higher point values than general (non-critical) violations.
Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The database provides detailed records of violations cited, scores received, and grade assignments for all inspected food service establishments in the five boroughs.
For questions about food safety or to report concerns about a restaurant, residents can contact 311 or visit the NYC DOHMH website.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Rudraks Fine Indian Cuisine including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.