TLDR
Jiggly soufflé pancakes and elevated Japanese-inspired plates in a stunning Greenpoint setting. A local favorite for brunch and cozy, stylish dining.
Instagram Posts References
Sunday brunch at Rule of Thirds featured their soufflé pancake and white sesame soft serve. The soufflé pancake was noted for its jiggly texture and slightly eggy taste, which collectively reminded the table of a Lucky Charms marshmallow. The white sesame soft serve was particularly good when paired with the pancake, melting and seeping into it beautifully.
Rule of Thirds was one of the New York City restaurants featured in the Food Education Fund's Dine Out program, offering students practical learning experiences in a professional setting. The program focuses on connecting students with industry leaders.
The user enjoyed a hotto-keki and black sesame soft serve from Rule of Thirds in Brooklyn. The image highlights a visually appealing dessert spread, indicating a positive experience.
Details
Located in Greenpoint, this Japanese-inspired destination is widely celebrated for its beautiful atmosphere and exceptional culinary offerings [7]. Diners frequently praise the menu, particularly the brunch selections and specialty items like their duck [16], which guests are advised to reserve in advance [16]. While some earlier reviews were mixed, recent feedback describes the experience as consistently excellent for both food and drinks [7], [8].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Japanese-inspired izakaya-style dishes, with the soufflé pancake (often called hottokeki) emerging as a standout favorite for its unique texture [17], [18], [19]. Other highly recommended items include the Crab Mazeman [21], the fish sandwich [22], and the duck [16], while brunch enthusiasts specifically enjoy the pickled daikon [11]. While most flavors receive high praise, some guests have expressed mixed feelings regarding specific soft-serve variations like the white sesame flavor [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The soufflé pancakes are a must-try for their unique texture [17], [18], while the duck [16] and Crab Mazeman [21] are highly recommended for a more savory meal."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •souffle pancake(3)
- •japanese breakfast set(2)
- •soufflé pancake(2)
- •pancake(2)
Customer Sentiment
Recent visitors overwhelmingly describe their experiences as excellent, highlighting both the high quality of the food and the beautiful restaurant space [7], [8]. While some guests have noted past inconsistencies, the prevailing sentiment is one of strong recommendation for both casual bites and special occasions [9], [10], [11].
Caveats
Potential diners should note that certain popular items, such as the duck, require advance booking as they can run out [16]. Additionally, some users have noted that the restaurant does not serve traditional nigiri or sushi [sentiment_month_summaries.2025-07].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RULE OF THIRDS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Wedding Food Youve Ever Had In The Tristate
"The wedding food was highly impressive, particularly the quality of the fried items."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurant With Private Dining Room For 20 People
"The original poster considered this restaurant for an elopement event but found the food and beverage minimum too high."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user mentioned the fish sandwich from Rule of Thirds."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user recommended the Crab Mazeman at Rule of Thirds."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know A Good Japanese Pancake Place
"Clarifying that Rule of Thirds is Japanese-inspired, not Korean, and that their hottokeki is indeed a type of soufflé pancake."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know A Good Japanese Pancake Place
"Rule of Thirds offers a different style of Japanese pancake compared to classic soufflé pancakes, described as 'hottokeki inspired'."
NeutralFrom post: Does Anyone Know A Good Japanese Pancake Place
"Rule of Thirds has a great, large, shareable soufflé pancake that is ordered at the beginning of the meal and served at the end. It is Japanese-inspired and is a hottokeki, which is a type of soufflé pancake."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know A Good Japanese Pancake Place
"Rule of Thirds offers an interesting take on Japanese pancakes and is worth a visit."
PositiveFrom post: Sos Last Minute Restaurant Rec For Husbands 40th
"Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint is mentioned as a possible restaurant choice."
PositiveFrom post: Any Recommendations For Duck
"Recommends Rules of Thirds for duck, specifying it's a Japanese restaurant. Advised to call ahead for duck reservations as they run out."
PositiveFrom post: Best Nicefine Dining Japanese Spot
"This user recommended Rule of Thirds in response to a request for nice Japanese dining options."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Plan Ideashelp Please
"Expressed that Rule of Thirds fits the need for cute places and will try it, especially wanting to spend time in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Plan Ideashelp Please
"Rule of Thirds in Brooklyn is recommended as a lovely brunch spot."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"Rule of Thirds is recommended for a beautiful, lighter meal."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"Rule of Thirds is recommended, and the commenter prefers their brunch menu over the dinner menu, specifically enjoying the pickled daikon and pancakes."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"The user confirms their recommendation for Rule of Thirds."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"Rule of Thirds is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: 10 Year Anniversary Dinner
"The commenter stated they have been going to rule of third and have had an excellent experience without doubt."
PositiveFrom post: Good Restaurant With A Private Room For 810
"Responding to a query about food quality from 8 years ago, this commenter stated that their recent experience at Rule of Thirds was excellent for both food and drinks, and also noted it's a beautiful space."
PositiveFrom post: Good Restaurant With A Private Room For 810
"Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint was recommended. Another user questioned the food quality based on a past experience from 8 years ago."
Neutral