Michelin-starred restaurant Semma, a highly sought-after dining spot in New York City's West Village, has been cited for numerous health violations, including a failure to properly display its 'B' cleanliness grade. The violations, identified during an inspection in January, encompassed concerns over food temperature, potential contamination, and inadequate personal hygiene among staff.
The inspection revealed more than a dozen violations, with inspectors noting that food, supplies, and equipment were not adequately protected from potential contamination sources. Issues related to personal cleanliness were also flagged, including a staff member's outer garment being soiled and compliance issues regarding hair, jewelry, and fingernails.
City regulations require restaurants to prominently display their health grade, but Semma's 'B' rating, which it has held since at least early 2024, was reportedly not visible to customers. A review by The Post found the sign either tucked away in a window corner or completely out of public view. When confronted, a manager indicated the 8x11 letter grade was typically posted on a small side window and, after the reporter's inquiry, was moved to a more visible front window.
A representative for Semma denied that the restaurant was intentionally hiding its grade. The representative stated that the letter grade was properly posted and suggested that any perceived delay in reinspection was due to the health department's scheduling. They asserted that Semma operates a clean and well-run establishment.
This situation echoes previous reports of other popular New York City restaurants, including Carbone, Serafina, Citizens of Soho, and Caffe Dante, facing similar issues with health code violations and the display of their grades.
Semma, which opened in 2021, received 18 health department points during its January inspection. An earlier inspection in 2024 also documented the same number of violations, noting the presence of mice and flies and conditions conducive to pests.
According to the city's health department, a score of 0 to 13 points results in an 'A' grade, 14 to 27 points yields a 'B', and 28 or more points results in a 'C' grade, often due to pest issues.
Public reaction to the news was mixed. Some patrons expressed concern, stating that a poor health grade would influence their decision to dine at the restaurant. Others suggested that the quality of the food might outweigh the health rating, though acknowledging that many New Yorkers would be sensitive to such issues, particularly at a Michelin-starred establishment. Diners who had recently visited Semma reported positive experiences regarding cleanliness and the overall dining experience, with the wait time being the primary drawback.