Grade A: 0–13 points
The restaurant falls in the highest letter-grade range during the grading process. An A does not guarantee that no violations were recorded.
Map Grade A restaurantsThe letter in the window
NYC restaurant grades explained
Restaurant grade meanings
NYC restaurant grade point ranges
A lower violation-point score is better. We show the posted grade from the official dataset and never infer a letter when one is missing.
Grade B: 14–27 points
The inspection recorded more violation points than the Grade A range. Open the record to see which items were critical or recurring.
Map Grade B restaurantsGrade C: 28+ points
The restaurant had serious or numerous violations in the grading process. A follow-up inspection may later change the result.
Map Grade C restaurantsPending or not graded
No selectable A, B or C grade appears under the documented source-selection rules. This can reflect an ungraded inspection, a pending grade or missing grade data.
Map not-graded restaurantsFrom inspection to letter
How NYC restaurant health inspections work
1. Inspectors record violations
NYC Department of Health inspectors evaluate food handling, temperature control, pests, sanitation, facilities and other health-code requirements. Each observed violation can add points.
2. Critical items carry greater weight
The official dataset flags some violations as critical. A restaurant’s profile separates critical items from other recorded violations so the list is easier to interpret.
3. Scores determine grade ranges
Lower scores are better. The familiar thresholds are A for 0–13, B for 14–27 and C for 28 or more points, but inspection type and grading status can affect when a letter is posted.
4. Follow-up inspections can change the record
A restaurant may receive another inspection after violations are found. Always look at the latest date, official action and full history rather than relying on an old photo of a letter grade.
Frequently asked questions about NYC restaurant grades
What does an A grade mean at an NYC restaurant?
An A grade generally corresponds to 0–13 violation points during the grading process. It is the city’s highest restaurant letter grade.
What does a B grade mean at an NYC restaurant?
A B grade generally corresponds to 14–27 violation points, meaning more issues were recorded than in the Grade A range.
What does a C grade mean at an NYC restaurant?
A C grade generally corresponds to 28 or more violation points. Review the actual violations and inspection date for context.
Is a lower NYC restaurant inspection score better?
Yes. Scores represent violation points, so lower is better.
What a restaurant grade does not tell you
A health grade does not rate taste, service, value or ambience. It is also a snapshot: conditions can improve or worsen between inspections. Use the letter together with the score, inspection date, critical violations, repeat patterns and official action.
This site makes official public records easier to explore. It does not replace advice from NYC health authorities or the city’s official restaurant search.