Insta-worthy Japanese w/ photogenic soufflé pancakes & acclaimed sesame soft serve. Mixed reviews on consistency, but a solid spot for date nights & happy hour.
This Japanese restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional and modern flavors, with a particular highlight on their photogenic and often discussed soufflé pancakes. While the ambiance is noted as pleasant and conducive to date nights, customer feedback on the food is notably mixed, with some praising specific dishes like the Wagyu short rib and the soufflé pancake, while others find the overall quality inconsistent or mediocre. The restaurant is also recognized for its happy hour specials and its acclaimed sesame soft serve.
The Japanese cuisine here is a focal point, particularly the soufflé pancakes which are frequently mentioned for their visual appeal and taste, though opinions vary from 'love their take' to 'dry' and 'tasted like scrambled eggs'. Other dishes like Wagyu short rib and karaage receive positive mentions, described as 'very delicious' and 'bursting with flavor'. However, several reviews point to inconsistency, with some describing the food as 'mediocre', 'not that great', and 'not worth the price', with one user suggesting 'every third dish is good'. The sesame soft serve is consistently praised as a must-try dessert.
"The soufflé pancake is frequently mentioned, though opinions are divided. The sesame soft serve is highly praised. Other dishes noted positively include the Wagyu short rib, karaage, and a tinned tuna teishoku, especially during happy hour."
Customer sentiment is polarized, with many enjoying the ambiance and specific dishes like the soufflé pancake and Wagyu short rib, while a significant portion finds the food inconsistent, mediocre, or overpriced.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest the food can be inconsistent, and one comment notes that the restaurant does not offer a nigiri or sushi menu despite being Japanese cuisine. There is also a recurring theme of it being 'Instagram food' or a potential 'tourist trap'.
"The commenter stated they have been going to rule of third and have had an excellent experience without doubt."
Positive"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."
Positive"Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint was recommended. Another user questioned the food quality based on a past experience from 8 years ago."
Neutral"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."
Positive"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"The author tried Rule of Thirds' white sesame flavor, which they did not care for, unlike the previously enjoyed habanada pepper flavor."
Negative"This restaurant has private dining rooms that are enclosed outdoor spaces. The experience requires ordering from a prix fixe menu, but there is no minimum spend mentioned."
Neutral"The user found Rule of Thirds to be good, but not outstanding. They also noted that Caffe Panna is nearby for dessert."
Positive"Rule of Thirds is suggested as a restaurant."
Neutral"Rule of Thirds, located near Greenpoint and Williamsburg, is mentioned. However, it's noted that this restaurant does not offer a nigiri or sushi menu."
Negative"Includes Rule of Thirds on a categorized list of restaurants."
Positive"Rule of thirds is mentioned for its souffle pancake."
Positive"Rule of Thirds previously had a great brothless ramen, though the menu might have changed since."
Positive"The commenter is confused by the negative sentiment towards Rule of Thirds, as they had a terrific brunch experience there."
Positive"This user had an overall "okay" experience at Rule of Thirds, finding a grilled fish dish good but not as good as a similar dish at Okonomi, and disliking a sando due to dry, crumbly bread."
Neutral"The commenter finds Rule of Thirds "fine" or "just okay," although their girlfriend loves it, and suggests trying the pancake."
Neutral"The commenter initially doubted negative reviews but found Rule of Thirds to be mediocre after trying it, advising others to avoid it."
Negative"The user was not impressed by Rule of Thirds' pancakes despite it being a popular recommendation."
Negative"The user lists Rule of Thirds as a 'non-traditional option' for pancakes, indicating a positive opinion."
Positive"The user recommends Rule of Thirds for its 'Japanese pancakes' and notes its Greenpoint location."
Positive
