NYC Restaurant Health Inspection Scores Explained

How NYC's Letter-Grade System Works

The DOHMH assigns letter grades based on violation points during unannounced inspections. An A grade (0–13 points) indicates excellent compliance; a B grade (14–27 points) shows satisfactory compliance with some violations; a C grade (28+ points) signals serious health hazards. Restaurants receive a blue, green, or red placard displayed in their window—blue for A, green for B, and red for C. Most violations fall into critical, major, or general categories, with critical violations carrying the most weight in determining grades.

Common Violations Found in NYC Restaurants

NYC health inspectors frequently cite violations including improper food temperature control, inadequate handwashing facilities, and pest activity or evidence of rodents. Cross-contamination risks (such as raw animal foods stored above ready-to-eat items), improper labeling and storage of chemicals, and lack of required certifications also appear regularly. The DOHMH tracks these violations publicly, and patterns across neighborhoods can reveal systemic food safety concerns—critical information for diners and public health officials alike.

How to Look Up NYC Restaurant Health Scores

The DOHMH makes inspection results searchable via their online Portal at health.ny.gov, where you can filter by restaurant name, cuisine, or zip code to view grades, violation details, and inspection dates. Panko Alerts simplifies this process by tracking DOHMH data in real-time, sending you instant notifications when restaurants in your area receive critical violations or grade changes. Rather than manually checking dozens of sources, Panko monitors 25+ government agencies—including the NYC DOHMH—so you're always informed of the latest food safety developments.

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