(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-16 19:54

Serendipity 3, a high-end Manhattan eatery featuring the world's most expensive ice cream, has been shut down after New York City health officials spotted rodents, flies and more than 100 live cockroaches there, according to media reports Friday.

The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate is unveiled at the Serendipity-3 restaurant in New York Nov. 7, 2007 after Guinness World Records researchers determined the US$25,000 frozen hot chocolate was the most expensive dessert in the world. [Agencies]

The once celebrated restaurant closed Wednesday night after it failed its second inspection in a month.

Health officials said they made a stomach-churning discovery of a live mouse and mouse droppings, fruit flies, house flies and more than 100 live cockroaches.

"Both inspections revealed rodent and fly infestation and conditions conducive to pest infestation, including stagnant water in the basement," the department said.

People routinely stand in line for hours outside the East 60th Street restaurant. Its swanky reputation comes from its being host to major movies such as "One Fine Day" and "Trust The Man," as well as its extravagant and expensive desserts.

The eatery offers a $1,000 sundae named Golden Opulence only available with a 48-hour reservation. Its $25,000 Frrrozen Haute Chocolate features top-grade cocoa, edible gold and shavings of a luxury truffle and was declared the most expensive dessert in the world by Guinness World Records.