Manhattan, NY — Sushi Damo/ Damo Ramen, a Japanese restaurant located at 330 West 58th Street in Midtown West, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a health inspection conducted on March 18, 2026. The establishment received a score of 53, placing it well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating. Violations were cited and those requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection.

The closure data was released by DOHMH on March 20, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 18 inspection, inspectors documented one non-critical violation at the establishment:

  • Code 08A: The establishment was found not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.

This violation indicates that inspectors identified environmental conditions within the restaurant that could attract or sustain pest activity. Under NYC inspection protocols, such conditions may include gaps in walls or flooring, improper waste storage, accumulated debris, or other structural or sanitation issues that create environments favorable to pest populations.

While the inspection report lists one non-critical violation and zero critical violations, the overall score of 53 points indicates that inspectors documented conditions that, taken together, warranted closure of the establishment. The DOHMH inspection scoring system assigns point values based on the severity and scope of conditions observed, and a single violation code can carry varying point values depending on the extent of the issue documented during the inspection.

The closure action means the restaurant was required to cease food service operations until conditions were corrected and the establishment was authorized to reopen by DOHMH.

Food Safety Context

New York City restaurant inspections are conducted under the authority of NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes standards for food service establishments operating within the five boroughs. The inspection program, administered by DOHMH, evaluates restaurants on food handling, temperature control, personal hygiene, facility maintenance, and pest management, among other criteria.

Pest-related violations are among the most commonly cited issues in NYC restaurant inspections. The FDA Food Code, which serves as the model framework for local food safety regulations nationwide, identifies pest management as a fundamental component of food safety. Pests including rodents and insects can contaminate food, food preparation surfaces, and storage areas, potentially introducing pathogens that cause foodborne illness.

Under the NYC inspection system, establishments that receive scores warranting immediate public health concern may be closed during the inspection. Closed establishments must address all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before resuming food service operations.

Inspection History

Prior to the March 2026 closure, Sushi Damo/ Damo Ramen had the following inspection record on file with DOHMH:

  • 2024-09-30: Score 18 (Grade N)

The September 2024 inspection resulted in a score of 18, which falls in the Grade B range (14–27 points). A Grade N designation indicates that the inspection was conducted but a final letter grade had not yet been assigned at the time, which typically occurs during an initial or re-inspection cycle. The jump from a score of 18 in September 2024 to a score of 53 in March 2026 represents a notable increase in documented violations.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations:

  • A: 0–13 points — the establishment is in substantial compliance with food safety regulations
  • B: 14–27 points — some violations were documented that require correction
  • C: 28 or more points — significant violations were found; the establishment may be subject to additional enforcement

With a score of 53, Sushi Damo/ Damo Ramen's March 2026 inspection placed the restaurant in Grade C territory. Establishments receiving a C grade may request a re-inspection to improve their score before the grade is posted.

Public Resources

Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database includes inspection dates, scores, violation details, and grade assignments for all inspected food service establishments in the city.

Restaurants that have been closed are required to prominently post closure notices at their establishment. Reopening is contingent upon passing a follow-up inspection conducted by DOHMH. Residents who observe potential food safety concerns at any restaurant may contact 311 to file a complaint with the city.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Sushi Damo/ Damo Ramen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.