TLDR
Japanese izakaya known for unique soufflé pancakes & decadent soft serve. Great atmosphere for date nights.
Instagram Posts References
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.
Rule of Thirds is recommended as a must-visit dinner spot where patrons should save room for their highly acclaimed sesame soft serve, described as 'so good'.
Rule of Thirds is a Japanese restaurant located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, known for being an excellent spot for date nights and happy hour. It is backed by the team from Sunday in Brooklyn, suggesting a strong culinary background. The restaurant offers a special happy hour menu during the week from 5 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring discounted items. Reviewer highlights include a 'very delicious' tuna and nori dish, karaage described as 'bursting with so much flavor' available for $12 during happy hour (originally $17), and a 'must-try' Tinned Tuna Teishoku for $12 which includes rice, peanut soup, and pickles. The dinner menu features a 'very delicious' Wagyu short rib and an 'incredible' Wagyu zabuton steak served with a rich yakiniku sauce and gold bar squash. For dessert, they offer 'really good' soft serve in flavors like sesame and strawberry. The overall sentiment towards the restaurant and its food is highly positive, considering it a 'gold mine'.
Details
Rule of Thirds is a Japanese izakaya in Brooklyn, praised for its unique take on dishes and desserts. It's particularly noted for its soufflé pancakes, often described as a must-try, and its decadent soft serve ice cream [1], [2]. The restaurant offers a lovely atmosphere, making it a great spot for date nights or a casual, lighter meal [3], [4].
Food Overview
Rule of Thirds offers a Japanese-inspired menu with standout dishes like the 'very delicious' tuna and nori, flavorful karaage, and a highly recommended Tinned Tuna Teishoku [1]. Their Wagyu short rib and zabuton steak are also praised for their richness and flavor [1]. A unique offering is their Japanese soufflé pancake (hottokeki), described as large, shareable, and a must-try [2], [3], [4]. For dessert, their soft serve, particularly sesame and strawberry flavors, receives high marks [1], [2]. Some diners have noted that while the habanada pepper flavor was 'wild,' it wasn't on the regular menu, and the white sesame soft serve was not as well-received [5]. It's also important to note that the restaurant does not offer a nigiri or sushi menu [6].
Caveats
It's worth noting that Rule of Thirds does not offer a nigiri or sushi menu, despite being categorized as a Japanese restaurant [1]. Some specials, like a habanada pepper flavor, may not be consistently available on the main menu [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RULE OF THIRDS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
NeutralFrom post: Some Casual Bites In Williamsburg
"The commenter highlighted the souffle pancake and the summer corn & crab dish as being very good. They also mentioned receiving complimentary watermelon and sesame soft serve."
PositiveFrom post: Soft Serve In Nyc
"The author found the habanada pepper flavor at Rule of Thirds to be "wild" but notes it's not currently on their website menu, possibly a special."
Neutral