Manhattan, NY — The Ambassador Grill And Lounge, located inside the Hilton Hotel at 1 United Nations Plaza, received a Grade B following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on April 2, 2026. The restaurant scored 26 points — the highest score still within the Grade B range and a single point below the threshold at which a Grade C is issued. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 6, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented two violations during the April inspection — one critical and one non-critical.
The critical violation, cited under Code 02G, involved cold temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above the required 41°F threshold. Proper cold holding temperatures are a foundational requirement in commercial food service, as bacterial growth accelerates significantly when perishable foods are stored above safe thresholds.
The non-critical violation, cited under Code 10B, identified a drainage or back-flow prevention issue. Specifically, inspectors noted that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, or that equipment or flooring was not properly drained. While classified as non-critical, plumbing and drainage deficiencies can contribute to unsanitary conditions if left unaddressed.
Food Safety Context
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain cold TCS foods at or below 41°F at all times to limit the risk of pathogen growth. This standard aligns with the FDA Food Code, which identifies temperature control as one of the most critical factors in preventing foodborne illness.
A score of 26 places the Ambassador Grill And Lounge at the upper boundary of the Grade B range. Under the DOHMH scoring system, lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations — meaning a score of 26 reflects a meaningful accumulation of inspection findings. The restaurant remains open and was not ordered closed following this inspection.
Inspection History
The April 2026 result is a notable departure from the restaurant's recent record. Prior inspections on file with DOHMH show:
- 2026-04-23: Score 13 (Grade A)
- 2024-07-15: Score 13 (Grade A)
- 2023-02-08: Score 5 (Grade A)
- 2022-08-23: Score 28
The restaurant had maintained Grade A ratings across its three most recent prior inspections before this cycle. The 2022 result of 28 points would have placed it in Grade C territory under current scoring. The return to a higher score in the most recent inspection cycle warrants attention given that pattern.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores accumulated from cited violations:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Grades must be posted in a visible location at the restaurant entrance. Establishments have the option to request a re-inspection before a grade is officially assigned.
Diners can review the full inspection history for The Ambassador Grill And Lounge and any other NYC food service establishment through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database, available at NYC.gov.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for The Ambassador Grill And Lounge (Inside Hilton Hotel) including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.