Staten Island, NY — Yao's Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant at 752 Forest Avenue, received a Grade B score of 23 points following a health inspection conducted on February 26, 2026. The score places the restaurant in the upper range of the Grade B category, just four points below the 28-point threshold where a Grade C designation begins.
Yao's Kitchen restaurant inspection" width="400" height="225" loading="eager" decoding="async" class="article-featured-image">The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 3, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified one non-critical violation related to dishwashing and ware washing operations. Specifically, the restaurant was cited under violation code 10G for deficient cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment.
While no critical violations were documented during this inspection, the single non-critical finding was sufficient to generate a score of 23 points. Under the NYC restaurant grading system, non-critical violations can carry varying point values depending on the specific condition observed and the degree of the deficiency.
Ware washing violations address the processes restaurants use to clean and sanitize items that come into direct contact with food. When dishwashing procedures are deficient, tableware and utensils may not be adequately sanitized between uses, which can affect the overall hygiene of food service operations.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the sanitary standards that all food service establishments must maintain. Proper cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces, including dishes, utensils, and equipment, is a foundational requirement under these regulations.
The FDA Food Code specifies that food-contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized using approved methods — either through chemical sanitizing solutions at proper concentrations or through hot water at temperatures sufficient to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Establishments are expected to maintain functioning ware washing equipment and follow established sanitizing protocols throughout service.
A score of 23 points, while within the Grade B range, sits in the upper portion of that category. The Grade B range spans from 14 to 27 points, meaning this result is closer to the Grade C threshold than to the Grade A cutoff.
Inspection History
The DOHMH database shows the following inspection record for Yao's Kitchen:
- February 26, 2026: Score 23 (Grade B)
- October 24, 2024: Score 23 (Grade N)
The restaurant received an identical score of 23 during its previous inspection in October 2024, which was recorded as a Grade N — a designation used for initial inspections before a letter grade is formally assigned. The consistent score across two inspection cycles suggests a recurring pattern with the establishment's compliance level.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during inspections:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less significant violations. Restaurants receiving a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection or contest the results through an administrative tribunal hearing.
Consumers can verify any restaurant's current grade and full inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Grade cards are also required to be posted at the restaurant's entrance.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Yao's Kitchen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.