NYC Restaurant Grading System
Since July 2010, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has required all restaurants to publicly post a letter grade based on their sanitary inspection score. A score of 0–13 points earns an A, 14–27 a B, and 28 or more a C. The DOHMH inspects approximately 28,000 restaurants across all five boroughs every year — all unannounced. Restaurants are not fined for violations found during an inspection that results in an A grade.
If ABCEats feels hard to scan, this guide and search experience are built to make NYC health grade lookup easier while still grounded in official public inspection data.
Grade Overview
Grade A (0-13 points)
Excellent food safety practices. Restaurant meets highest standards with minimal violations.
Grade B (14-27 points)
Good food safety practices with some violations that need correction.
Grade C (28+ points)
Poor food safety practices. Significant violations present requiring immediate attention.
Violation Points System
Critical Violations (5-7 points each)
Major food safety risks that can directly contribute to foodborne illness:
- Food not cooked to required minimum temperature
- Hot/cold food not held at proper temperature
- Evidence of mice or live roaches
- Food from unapproved or unknown source
General Violations (2-4 points each)
Less serious issues that can indirectly affect food safety:
- Improper cleaning of utensils
- Insufficient lighting or ventilation
- Failure to properly post signs or permits
- Minor maintenance issues
Other Grade Types
Grade Pending
Restaurant is awaiting a re-inspection or tribunal hearing. Restaurants have the right to contest violations before receiving a final grade.
Grade Pending on Re-opening
Issued when a restaurant reopens after being closed. A new inspection will be conducted within 14 days.
Not Yet Graded
New restaurant that hasn't received its first grade or recently opened location.
Official NYC Resources
NYC Department of Health Restaurant Grading
Since 2010, New York City has required restaurants to post letter grades that correspond to scores received from sanitary inspections. The NYC Department of Health provides official guidance and resources for restaurant owners and the public.
Official Documents:
- NYC Letter Grading for Restaurants - Official NYC DOH page with restaurant inspection information
- Inspection Cycle Overview (PDF) - Details on how inspection cycles work
- Common Violations (PDF) - List of frequent health code violations
- Restaurant Grading FAQ (PDF) - Answers to common questions about the grading system
Additional Resources
- NYC Food Service Operators Page - Complete information for restaurant operators
- Search Restaurant Inspection Results - Look up grades for any NYC restaurant
- Business Owner's Bill of Rights (PDF) - Rights during inspections
- Restaurant Permits & Licenses - Information about required permits for food establishments
- Grade Posting FAQ (PDF) - Requirements for displaying grade cards
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an 'A' grade mean?
An 'A' grade means the restaurant scored between 0-13 points on their inspection, indicating excellent food safety practices.
How often are restaurants inspected?
Every restaurant in NYC receives at least one unannounced inspection per year. The NYC DOHMH inspects approximately 28,000 restaurants annually. Restaurants that score 14 or more points on an initial inspection receive an unannounced reinspection, typically within a month. Those that continue to score 28 or more points may be inspected roughly once a month until they improve or are closed. (Source: NYC DOHMH)
Can a restaurant operate with a 'C' grade?
Yes, restaurants can operate with a 'C' grade, but they must prominently display their grade and may face more frequent inspections.
What happens if a restaurant fails an inspection?
Restaurants that don't earn an 'A' grade receive a re-inspection within a month. They can also contest violations at a tribunal hearing.
How long does a grade last?
A grade typically remains valid until the next inspection cycle, which is usually one year.