Bronx, NY — The Best Italian Pizza, located at 412 East 149th Street in the Bronx, received a Grade B with a score of 24 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 3, 2026. The score places the restaurant near the upper end of the Grade B range, just three points below the Grade C threshold of 28.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 5, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited one non-critical violation at the establishment. No critical violations were documented.

The violation, recorded under code 10G, identified deficiencies in dishwashing and ware washing procedures. Specifically, inspectors noted that the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware — including dishes, utensils, and equipment — was deficient.

While this was the sole violation cited during the inspection, the resulting score of 24 points represents a notable increase from the restaurant's most recent prior inspection, which had yielded a Grade A score of 12 in November 2024.

Food Safety Context

Proper dishwashing and sanitization procedures are a foundational element of food safety operations. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain adequate cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all food-contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment.

The FDA Food Code specifies that tableware and food-contact surfaces must be properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized to prevent the transmission of foodborne illness. Deficiencies in this area can allow the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants on surfaces that come into direct contact with food served to customers.

A score of 24 within the Grade B range is significant because it indicates the establishment is operating close to the Grade C threshold. Restaurants that score 28 or more points may face additional re-inspection requirements and potential enforcement actions.

Inspection History

A review of public records shows the following inspection history for The Best Italian Pizza:

  • November 20, 2024: Score 12, Grade A
  • June 18, 2024: Score 21
  • May 15, 2023: Score not recorded
  • January 5, 2023: Score 16, Grade B
  • March 21, 2022: Score 23

The restaurant's inspection record shows a pattern of fluctuation between Grade A and Grade B scores. The November 2024 Grade A result represented the establishment's best documented score, making the jump to 24 points a notable shift. Prior to that, the restaurant had scored in the low-to-mid 20s on multiple occasions, including a score of 23 in March 2022 and 21 in June 2024.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during health inspections. Fewer points indicate fewer or less severe violations:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. Grades are required to be posted at the restaurant entrance where they are visible to the public.

Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. All inspection results cited in this article are based on public record data provided by the City of New York.

More About This Restaurant

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