The 132-seat restaurant Robert at MAD opened last week on the ninth floor of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York’s Columbus Circle. Named for famous New York party planner Robert Isabell, who passed away this summer, Robert is a celebration of art, light, color, and design. Restaurateurs Michael Weinstein of Ark Restaurants and Brian Saltzman commissioned a host of design talents to create this eatery whose stunning modern décor is complemented by a contemporary, Mediterranean-influenced American menu by Brady Duhane (formerly of Union Prime).

Since Robert is set within the Museum of Arts and Design, it’s no wonder that the restaurant is a feast for the eyes, with interior architecture by New York-based David Schefer Design, furniture by Vladimir Kagan, a dazzling hostess stand in a rippling form and striking communal table by Philip Michael Wolfson, and eye-popping light installations by Johanna Grawunder that draw attention from the plate to the ceiling. Grawunder assembled pink acrylic panels containing LEDs that hang like pendants over the main dining room, while similar orange boxes are suspended over the perimeter corridor, which offers views over Columbus Circle and New York’s Upper West Side.

Robert at MAD is now open for lunch and dinner daily, with a lounge area serving trendy cocktails. www.robertatmad.com