That’s exactly what happened when I visited Doughnation Pizza in Covent Garden, a relaxed, friendly spot that strikes just the right balance between quality food and an easy-going atmosphere.
It was the kind of hot where you actively seek shade but also want to make the most of being outdoors.
Luckily, Doughnation has plenty of seating that spills out onto the bustling Covent Garden street.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
The setting’s a blend of people-watching, low-stakes buzz, and, most importantly, a breeze.
Where we ate, there was no stuffy indoor heat, just fresh air and fresh food.
To kick things off, I went with the English Tomato & Mozzarella starter.
It comes with ripped basil and a balsamic dressing, and while it may sound simple, the freshness made it sing.
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that sweet hit from the balsamic was classic and done right.
A proper summer opener: light, flavourful, and not too filling.
It tasted like something straight from a garden, chilled just enough to cool you down.
I ordered an espresso martini, which is my go-to.
Strong, smooth and exactly what I needed in the heat.
Doughnation’s take on the cocktail was smooth, with a decent kick and no bitterness, clearly made with care.
When it came to the main, I could’ve played it safe with pepperoni or margarita, but I decided to mix things up with the Nduja Sausage pizza.
And I’m so glad I did.
This one’s built on Doughnation’s in-house artisan tomato sauce and topped with generous chunks of nduja sausage and shavings of Pecorino Romano.
The crust was that perfect sweet spot between chewy and crisp, with enough integrity to hold the toppings but soft enough to tear apart by hand.
The nduja was spicy but not overpowering, just enough heat to remind you it’s there, mellowed slightly by the creamy sharpness of the cheese.
Every bite had contrast: fire and cream, crisp and soft, salt and tang.
It felt genuinely different to most of the sausage-based pizzas I’ve had before.
This one was less greasy, more balanced, but still indulgent.
This is what you order when you want to feel adventurous but still want something deeply satisfying.
By the time dessert came round, I was well into that full-but-want-more territory.
Our waiter recommended the Skillet Cookie, which is basically a warm choc chip cookie served in its own hot pan, topped with ice cream and white chocolate sauce.
I had already agreed to share it with a friend, a decision I came to instantly regret after my first spoonful.
It’s ridiculously good.
The cookie is soft in the middle, just crisp around the edges, and the whole thing melts slightly under the cold scoop of choc chip ice cream.
The white chocolate sauce adds a velvety richness, not too sweet.
It’s pure comfort food, and I could’ve easily polished it off myself.
Sharing desserts might sound noble in theory, but in this case, it was a tactical mistake.
Doughnation is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard and doesn’t need to.
The food speaks for itself with its well-sourced ingredients, thoughtful recipes, and just enough twist to keep things interesting.
It’s also ideal for summer.
The outdoor seating means you’re soaking up sun without wilting in it, and the menu’s light enough not to weigh you down even in a heatwave.
Service was warm, attentive, and happy to offer suggestions without hovering.
Prices are fair for the location, especially considering the quality.
And while it’s clearly popular, it didn’t feel overcrowded or chaotic.
In short: I had a great time.
Doughnation might not be trying to reinvent the pizza wheel, but it’s perfecting its own lane, and doing it with style, flavour, and a decent cocktail or two.
