If you’re in Covent Garden and craving some seriously authentic pizza, Doughnation is the place to be. Tucked at the bottom of the Piazza, this spot isn’t exactly the easiest to find, I had to wander around a bit before I stumbled on it, but it’s totally worth the hunt. Located at 3 Henrietta Street, with minimal branding, you need to enter the main door and head past a couple of other restaurants to the back. Here you’ll be greeted by the mouth-watering scent of freshly baked pizza.

The Vibe

Doughnation has a laid-back, intimate vibe which is a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the area. It’s not a huge restaurant, but that’s part of its charm. The interior is simple, with a mix of wooden accents and warm lighting, making it feel both relaxed and welcoming. It’s perfect for a casual dinner rather than a first date you might want to impress. There’s also a little outdoor seating area, ideal for summer and people watching.

What to Order

Now, let’s talk about the pizza. I went for the Nduja Sausage pizza made with artisan sauce, Nduja sausage and Pecorino Romano cheese, whilst my date went for a classic Margherita and we weren’t disappointed.  Honestly, it was one of the best I’ve had in a while. The dough had that perfect crisp and crunch you only really get in Italy, thin but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings. The sausage was perfectly spiced and just enough cheese that it wasn’t greasy. The crust dippers are worth a shout; we had the basil and pesto along with a garlic one.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, there is a couple of unusual toppings, such as Truffle Mushroom Ragout and Potato Pizza.

We paired our pizzas with a mixed salad, olives, and a side of baked sweetcorn ribs, coated in pesto.

The Sips

There’s a decent selection of wines, beers, and spirits to choose from, as well as a couple of well-thought-out cocktails. Whether you prefer a crisp white wine to balance out the richness of the pizza or a classic Italian red for a more traditional pairing, there’s something to suit every taste. The Il Botanista Spritz is a big hit; this light, refreshing drink is their spin on a classic Aperol and goes down rather easily with a pizza. If you’re after something a little stronger, their Covent Garden Fizz offers a fruity prosecco-based twist. There are also some great non-alcoholic options, making it an inclusive spot for all kinds of drinkers.

The Service

The staff were all incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Our server was super attentive without being overbearing, always happy to share recommendations while keeping drinks constantly topped up. They checked in to make sure we were enjoying everything and offered extra dips on the house. It’s the kind of service that makes you want to return.

Things to know

On Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, you can indulge in their pizza ‘happy hour’. For a full hour, guests can enjoy unlimited pizzas and pitchers of spritz for just £35pp.

Another cool thing about Doughnation is that a portion of their proceeds goes to charity. It’s nice to know that when you’re indulging in their pizza, you’re also contributing to something positive. It’s a small but meaningful touch that adds to your dining experience.

If you’re in Covent Garden and looking for authentic, high-quality pizza with a great atmosphere and top-notch service, you can’t go wrong with this hidden gem.