Zef Cafe

70 Bowery, Manhattan, NY 10013
American
Last inspected: May 9, 2025
82
Score
Low Risk NYC Grade: A

Zef Cafe has been inspected three times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on May 9, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.

Across the inspection history, “food contact surface not properly washed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

Among Manhattan restaurants, the typical score is 77; Zef Cafe is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

3
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 9, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
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
82
Dec 19, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
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
82
Sep 28, 2022
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Food, supplies, and equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
06C
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
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
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Zef Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Zef Cafe on file is from May 9, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Zef Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “food contact surface not properly washed” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Zef Cafe.

How does Zef Cafe compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Zef Cafe most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is higher than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Zef Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Zef Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Zef Cafe 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 Zef Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Zef Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.