Four Degree

Four Degree in London opens with a clear focus: precise sushi and lavish European touches served over the Thames at St George Wharf. From the moment you arrive, the scale of the two-storey venue signals intention; this is fine dining for guests who want bright, modern flavours alongside panoramic river views. The restaurant champions contemporary Japanese-French cuisine and places seafood at its centre, with oysters chilled to four degrees as a running motif. If you seek a London dining experience that combines sushi bar theatre with full-bodied mains, Four Degree answers the call.

The menu, cocktail list and whisky collection are designed for sharing and discovery, whether for a celebratory dinner or a memorable riverside meal. Opened in December 2017, Four Degree brought a new level of large-scale, refined dining to Vauxhall, challenging expectations for the neighbourhood with polished service and theatrical plating. Executive chef Kyoichi Kai leads the kitchen with experience from Kouzo, The Arts Club and Zuma, and he applies that training to make classic sushi, seared nigiri and fusion mains feel immediate and familiar. Kai’s philosophy favors excellent ingredients and exact technique over gimmicks: perfectly tempered rice, clean slices of yellowtail or sea bass, and restrained use of truffle or gold leaf to heighten, not overwhelm.

The ownership group, with past venues in Beijing and Hong Kong, invested in a spacious layout that supports private dining rooms, a ground-floor dining room, an upper whisky lounge and a terrace with heaters for year-round river seating. While Four Degree has not been marketed by Michelin, its ambition is evident in ingredient sourcing, refined service and the presence of the UK’s first Macallan Whisky Lounge, which invites rare whisky pairings alongside seafood. The kitchen updates the menu seasonally and customers report signature touches — from spice-marinated edamame to foil-gilded sushi rolls — that show consistent attention to detail. The culinary journey at Four Degree begins at the sushi counter and moves through a roster of bold, textural plates designed for sharing.

Start with oysters served raw or fried at the restaurant’s ideal chill, then try the Four Degree sushi roll finished with gold leaf for a touch of theatre and layered flavour. Foie gras teriyaki balances sweet, savory and silky mouthfeel, while black cod arrives with delicate caramelization and buttery flesh. Wagyu sirloin with ponzu offers a citrus-umami foil to fattier cuts, and deep-fried camembert paired with lobster bisque bridges French richness and seafood depth. Small plates like duck rillettes on crispy wonton skins or gunkan topped with quail egg and truffle introduce contrasting textures and bold condiments.

Cooking techniques focus on searing, precise raw preparations and careful saucing to allow primary ingredients to sing. Seasonal fish and shellfish appear often, and portions skew generous, making the menu ideal for groups. Service is attentive and paced to encourage tasting and sharing, with staff able to suggest cocktail and whisky pairings drawn from an inventive drinks programme. Inside, Four Degree favours contemporary design with subtle Japanese references: cherry-blossom inspired motifs, sculptural light fixtures and art installations that complement wide windows facing the river.

Tables are well spaced across two levels, and the terrace offers heated seating for cooler months. The Macallan Whisky Lounge occupies an intimate upper room with a curated display of rare bottlings; reservations here create a different kind of evening focused on tasting and storytelling. Staff dress smartly and move with calm efficiency, supporting a relaxed but upscale atmosphere that suits both business dinners and leisurely celebrations. For practical planning, reserve ahead for evenings and weekend river-view tables; weekday early dinners can be easier to book.

Dress code leans smart-casual to smart, and large groups should contact the restaurant for private dining options. Expect a typical spend around £90 per person including wine and service, with à la carte sushi rolls priced from around £9 and signature mains like black cod near £33.60. Whether you arrive for cocktails in the whisky lounge, a sushi-focused dinner at the counter, or a multi-course sharing meal with friends, Four Degree delivers a distinctive London dining experience.

Book a table at Four Degree to taste carefully prepared sushi, seasonal seafood and inventive fusion dishes on the Thames — a welcome option for diners seeking modern Japanese-French flavors in Vauxhall.