NYC Eateries Earn High Marks in Recent Health Inspections

Over half of establishments receive 'A' grades from city health department

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to new reports from the New York City Health Department, over 50% of the 258 food service establishments inspected in the city last week received the top 'A' grade. The city's inspection system grades eateries based on a points system, with fewer points indicating better adherence to food safety requirements.

Why it matters

Regular health inspections and transparency around inspection results help ensure food safety for the millions of residents and tourists who frequent New York City's vast network of restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses. These reports provide valuable insight into the overall health of the city's dining landscape.

The details

Inspectors check for proper food handling, temperature control, kitchen cleanliness, worker hygiene, and pest management. Establishments can receive public health hazard, critical, or general violations, each adding a different number of points to their score. Restaurants scoring 0-13 points earn an 'A' grade, 14-27 points a 'B', and 28+ points a 'C'.

  • The health inspections were conducted from March 16-20, 2026.
  • The inspection results were collected on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

New York City Health Department

The government agency responsible for conducting unannounced health inspections of the city's approximately 27,000 restaurants at least once per year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These inspection results demonstrate that the majority of New York City's diverse dining establishments are upholding high food safety standards, providing some reassurance to the public about the cleanliness and quality of the city's vibrant food scene.