Lena's Italian Kitchen

551 2 Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10016

Italian

Last inspected: Aug 27, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Lena's Italian Kitchen appears in inspection records five times, starting in 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 27, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

The most recent inspection cleaned up several issues, finishing with one violation after seven on the prior visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, showing up three times.

Restaurants in Manhattan average 77, so Lena's Italian Kitchen is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 27, 2025

Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted

20-06

May 15, 2025

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

06F

Personal cleanliness is inadequate. outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. effective hair restraint not worn where required. jewelry worn on hands or arms. fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.

06A

Cold tcs food item held above 41 °f; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °f; intact raw eggs held above 45 °f; or reduced oxygen packaged (rop) tcs foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

02G

Single service article not provided. single service article reused or not protected from contamination when transported, stored, dispensed. drinking straws not completely enclosed in wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device.

10H

Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

10F

Jan 13, 2025

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

6 critical violations. 3 minor violations.

View 9 violations

Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

06F

Tobacco or electronic cigarette use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or dishwashing area.

06B

Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.

04M

02G

Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

06D

Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

04L

Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted

20-06

10F

Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

08A

Mar 12, 2024

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

02G

Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

06F

Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

10G

10F

Apr 10, 2023

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

5 critical violations. 1 minor violation.

View 6 violations

Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

06C

Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

04L

Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

04A

Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

06D

Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.

04K

Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

08A

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Lena's Italian Kitchen last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Lena's Italian Kitchen on file is from Aug 27, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Lena's Italian Kitchen?

Across the inspection record, wiping cloths not stored clean and dry has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Lena's Italian Kitchen.

How does Lena's Italian Kitchen compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Lena's Italian Kitchen most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Lena's Italian Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Lena's Italian Kitchen have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around one violation compared to about seven previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Lena's Italian Kitchen means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Lena's Italian Kitchen inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Lena's Italian Kitchen is inspected around two times per year on average.

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