Brooklyn, NY — Su & Gao, a Chinese restaurant located at 4824 8th Avenue in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on February 26, 2026. The establishment received a score of 120, significantly exceeding the 28-point threshold that corresponds to the lowest letter grade in the city's restaurant grading system.

The closure was documented in inspection data released by DOHMH on March 2, 2026. According to the department's records, violations were cited and those requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection report for Su & Gao documented one non-critical violation related to equipment and surface maintenance. Specifically, inspectors cited the restaurant under violation code 10F for non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit.

This violation addresses the condition and maintenance of surfaces and equipment that do not come into direct contact with food but are still required to meet sanitation standards. Under NYC Health Code regulations, all equipment and surfaces within a food establishment must be constructed of approved materials, maintained in good repair, and accessible for routine cleaning. Surfaces that cannot be properly cleaned can harbor bacteria, pests, and other contaminants that may indirectly affect food safety.

It is worth noting that while the inspection report lists one non-critical violation, the establishment received a total score of 120 points, which suggests the inspection record as published may not reflect the full scope of conditions observed. DOHMH inspection scores are calculated based on the number and severity of all violations identified during an inspection, with critical violations carrying higher point values than non-critical ones. The score of 120 and the resulting closure indicate that inspectors identified conditions significant enough to warrant immediate action to protect public health.

Food Safety Context

The closure of a food establishment by DOHMH is one of the most significant enforcement actions available under New York City's restaurant inspection program. NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework governing food service establishments, including requirements for equipment construction, maintenance, and sanitation. The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local jurisdictions, similarly requires that equipment and surfaces be designed, constructed, and maintained to facilitate cleaning and prevent the accumulation of contaminants.

Under NYC's inspection and grading system, restaurants are scored based on violations observed during unannounced inspections. Each violation carries a predetermined point value, and the total score determines the restaurant's letter grade. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 120 is among the higher scores recorded in the system and resulted in the establishment being closed by the department.

When DOHMH closes a restaurant, the establishment must address all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen to the public. The closure remains in effect until the department determines that the conditions have been corrected and the establishment can operate in compliance with applicable health codes.

Inspection History

Su & Gao does not have prior inspection history available in the DOHMH public database. This may indicate that the February 26, 2026 inspection was the establishment's first recorded inspection, or that the restaurant may operate under a different name or permit number in earlier records. The absence of prior history means there is no baseline for comparison regarding the restaurant's previous compliance record.

  • February 26, 2026: Score 120, closed by DOHMH

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores. The grading scale is as follows:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points (indicates minimal violations)
  • Grade B: 14–27 points (indicates moderate violations)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (indicates significant violations)

Restaurants that receive a score of 28 or higher on an initial inspection are typically scheduled for a re-inspection, during which they have the opportunity to correct violations and potentially achieve a lower score. Establishments that are closed must address all violations before reopening and undergoing re-inspection.

Su & Gao's score of 120 placed it well above the Grade C threshold. The restaurant's closure means it was not operating as of the inspection date and must satisfy DOHMH requirements before resuming service.

Residents and diners can look up the latest inspection results for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available on the city's official website. Inspection records are public information and are updated as new inspections are conducted.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Su & Gao including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.