Though the food is nothing less than delicious, I can’t but start this review of Robert by talking about its unique location. Situated on the ninth floor of the Museum of Art and Design, the modern, beautifully colored interior is nothing short of museum worthy, itself. It beautifully frames the large window facade, which reveals a gorgeous view over Columbus Circle, down Broadway to the left, Central Park West straight ahead, and Central Park itself to the right.
Opened in 2009, if this celebratory New York setting were not enough to make this “young” restaurant desirable, wait until you read their menu, chat with their waiters, and of course, taste their food. Courteous, quick, professional service precisely describes the delicacies that Executive Chef Luisa Fernandes has formulated, generally new American, contemporary New York cuisine, with an eye of regard to seafood and some international details.
You can start with appetizers such as watercress soup and charred baby octopus or shared plates such as Japanese Yellowtail tartare, and then savor some pasta dishes like Penne with tomato-basil sauce or crispy ricotta gnocchi (crispy potato dumplings with veal ragout, ricotta and vegetables).
Or you can go for one of the delicious main courses: the seared halibut which is served with romesco sauce, olives, sunchoke puree and snow peas if you want seafood (delicate and delicious), the Hudson valley duck breast, which comes with apples, leeks and orange-cardamom marmelade, or the filet mignon accompanied by foie-gras mousse, shaved fresh truffles and demi-glace.
The menu also includes a couple of extra sides worth mentioning, such as deliciously prepared Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes, and finishes with a selection of cheeses, deserts and a long list of aperitifs and digestifs.
All in all, Robert unites all the positive sides of its environment, the classy design of the Museum of Art and Design, the gorgeous view of a ninth floor building on Columbus Circle, and the ability of New York City of bringing the best ingredients from around the world to form a mouthwatering selection of foods and drinks.
Location: 2 Columbus Circle (9th floor, inside the Museum of Art and Design)
Neighborhood: Columbus Circle
Setting: Modern, celebratory, and romantic
Cuisine: New American/contemporary New York
Price range: $50
Phone Number: 212 299 7730
Website: http://robertnyc.com
RESTAURANT REVIEW by Lorenzo Pozzan
