The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles’ Best Donut Shops: A Sweet Journey
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has truly blossomed into a veritable paradise for donut lovers. We are living in what can only be described as a golden age for these beloved sweet treats. The city is teeming with innovative artisan donut shops, each committed to using high-quality ingredients to craft unique and often breathtaking creations. Beyond the local craft scene, world-renowned pastry chefs have also brought their genius to LA, introducing decadent donut-pastry hybrids that push the boundaries of what a donut can be. Yet, amidst all this exciting innovation, we haven’t forgotten the timeless charm of classic, perfectly executed donuts.
With such an incredible abundance of amazing donuts scattered across Los Angeles, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin your sweet adventure. Fear not, fellow donut enthusiast! This comprehensive guide is meticulously curated to help you navigate the vibrant LA donut landscape. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey as we unveil our top picks for the absolute best donuts in Los Angeles, ensuring you find your next irresistible indulgence.
#1 – Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee holds a special place in our hearts as our absolute favorite donut shop in Los Angeles. Our long-standing relationship with their Santa Monica location, where we indulged in their delectable offerings on a weekly basis for years, is a testament to their consistent excellence. Sidecar isn’t just a donut shop; it’s an experience built on a philosophy of freshness and quality.
They masterfully balance beloved classic flavors that are always available on their menu – our personal addiction being the delightful Huckleberry – with an exciting rotation of seasonal specialties. These limited-time creations, like the exquisite Pumpkin Pie donut featured last Thanksgiving (pictured above), ensure there’s always something new and intriguing to try with each visit. What truly sets Sidecar apart is their unwavering commitment to serving “the world’s freshest donut.” This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a promise backed by their practice of frying new batches every single hour, guaranteeing that every bite is warm, soft, and utterly perfect. Their dedication to crafting gourmet donuts using only the finest ingredients shines through in every unique and satisfying flavor profile, making Sidecar a must-visit destination for any serious donut connoisseur in LA.
#2 – Donut Friend
Do you even need me to elaborate on why Donut Friend is an absolute game-changer in the LA donut scene after glimpsing that magnificent Crème Brûlée donut? Probably not, but I’m going to anyways because their creativity deserves all the praise.
Donut Friend isn’t just making donuts; they’re crafting edible works of art that are “insane in the best of ways.” This punk rock-inspired vegan donut shop in Highland Park has revolutionized the concept of gourmet donuts with its innovative flavor combinations and playful names. Every donut is a testament to their ingenuity, featuring unique fillings, decadent glazes, and surprising toppings that tantalize the taste buds. Our personal favorites include the legendary X-Ray Speculous, a raised donut generously filled with rich cookie butter, elegantly topped with a silky chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance. Another showstopper is the Polar Berry Club, a refreshing raised donut adorned with a vibrant lemon glaze, a medley of fresh mixed berries, and a garnish of fresh mint, offering a burst of fruity freshness with every bite. Donut Friend proves that plant-based donuts can be incredibly indulgent and imaginative, making it a beloved spot for vegans and non-vegans alike seeking an extraordinary donut experience.
#3 – California Donuts
Established way back in 1982, California Donuts has been a cherished institution in Los Angeles for decades, and let me assure you, they haven’t lost an ounce of their magic. This family-owned shop in Koreatown has mastered the art of creating donuts that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. They are famous for serving up an expansive array of fun, vibrant, and incredibly “Instagrammable” donuts that capture the imagination of locals and tourists alike.
But make no mistake, California Donuts is far more than just a pretty face. Beneath their colorful and whimsical exteriors lies a foundation of exceptional taste and unparalleled freshness. We’ve savored countless donuts from various establishments, and California Donuts consistently delivers some of the freshest and most satisfying flavors we’ve ever encountered. Take, for instance, the legendary “Snickers” donut, pictured nestled beside the Fruity Pebbles donut in the box – it features an entire Snickers bar lovingly cooked right into the donut! This ingenious creation is hands down one of the most decadent and satisfying “cheat day eats” I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Their ability to innovate while maintaining classic quality makes California Donuts an essential stop on any LA donut pilgrimage.
#4 – Dominique Ansel Bakery
Ah, the Cronut – a pastry that sparked a global sensation and redefined the hybrid dessert landscape. Back in the day, if you craved this iconic croissant-donut creation, you had to embark on an epic journey: fly all the way to New York City and brave the pre-dawn cold, queuing outside the original Dominique Ansel Bakery at 5 AM. It was a pilgrimage worthy of its legendary status.
Thankfully, those days of extreme dedication are behind us. Here in Los Angeles, you can simply stroll up to their elegant shop in The Grove at practically any time of day and procure a Cronut with virtually no wait. This incredible accessibility has transformed a once-exclusive treat into a delightful monthly ritual for us, as we make it a point to visit and discover the new, exciting seasonal flavor. Each Cronut is a masterpiece of layered, flaky pastry, marrying the delicate crispness of a croissant with the rich tenderness of a donut. It’s typically generously stuffed with a seasonal jam and a velvety ganache, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. The White Peach Amaretto Cronut pictured above, for example, features a luscious white peach amaretto jam perfectly complemented by a rich muscovado ganache, showcasing Dominique Ansel’s mastery in creating sophisticated and unforgettable dessert experiences.
#5 – The Donut Man
For over 45 years, The Donut Man has been an iconic culinary landmark, drawing devoted fans to its humble stand about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, in the Northern suburbs of Glendora. This legendary establishment is celebrated for its magnificent, seasonal fresh fruit donuts – creations that are as much a visual spectacle as they are a culinary delight. Their unwavering commitment to using peak-season fresh fruit sets them apart, transforming simple donuts into extraordinary edible sculptures.
The Strawberry donut is undoubtedly their most well-known offering, often lauded for its generous stuffing of glistening, perfectly ripe strawberries, creating a vibrant burst of flavor and texture. While undeniably good, I find myself even more captivated by the equally impressive Apple version, which offers a comforting, spiced sweetness. Despite countless visits, I’m still eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try the Peach donut, which only makes an appearance during its prime season. I have a strong suspicion that once I finally get my hands on one, it could very well usurp the others and become my ultimate favorite. The Donut Man is more than just a donut shop; it’s a testament to enduring quality and the simple joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients, making the drive well worth it for an unforgettable taste of tradition.
#6 – Plan Check
It might seem unconventional to find a top-tier donut recommendation at a burger and beer bar, but Plan Check consistently proves that exceptional desserts can emerge from unexpected places. While primarily celebrated for its gourmet burgers and craft beer selection, we firmly maintain that Plan Check’s donuts are among the absolute best in Los Angeles, commanding attention from even the most discerning dessert aficionados. Their specialty lies in crafting exquisite crueller donuts, distinguished by their unique ridged texture and delicate, airy interior.
These freshly made cruellers are typically served alongside vibrant fresh fruit and a dollop of airy whipped cream, creating a light and refreshing dessert experience. However, the Santa Monica location takes things a step further, offering an incredible Key Lime Pie version that delivers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, encased in that signature crisp crueller shell. Plan Check has also ventured into exciting collaborations, partnering with culinary personalities like Food Beast Editor Josh Elkin to create even more decadent and inventive versions, such as an indulgent Oreo-themed crueller. This innovative approach to a classic pastry, coupled with its unexpected location, makes Plan Check a delightful surprise and a must-try for anyone seeking unique and high-quality donuts in LA.
#7 – Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
Are you on the hunt for the softest, most pillowy donuts in Los Angeles, perhaps paired with the freshest, most vibrant fillings imaginable? Then your search ends at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse! This trendy and often buzzing bakery, known for its playful branding and delectable treats, has garnered a loyal following for its commitment to exquisite quality and imaginative flavors. Their philosophy revolves around bringing a unique daily experience to their customers, which is why they expertly prepare a different, tantalizing donut flavor every single day of the week, ensuring there’s always a new reason to visit.
Pictured above is their stunning Hibiscus Fruit Curd donut: a delicate, airy pastry filled with an exotic blend of Hibiscus Tea, litchi, and blood orange, crowned with a whimsical pink meringue kiss. The flavors are bright, sophisticated, and perfectly balanced, showcasing their pastry prowess. While their donuts are undoubtedly a highlight, it would be a disservice not to mention their other famous creation: the “Cruffin.” This ingenious croissant-muffin hybrid, which they are widely celebrated for, offers an equally compelling reason to stop by. You can spot the tempting Chocolate Hazelnut version artfully positioned in the back right of the photo above, serving as a delicious reminder of the diverse and exceptional pastries Mr. Holmes Bakehouse has to offer. Prepare for a sensory delight that keeps you coming back for more.
#8 – Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
The combination of crispy, savory fried chicken and sweet, fluffy doughnuts might seem unconventional at first, but for those who’ve experienced it, the pairing just makes perfect sense. We absolutely adore Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken for fearlessly basing their entire culinary concept around this inspired duo. Originating from Washington D.C. and bringing their unique vision to Los Angeles, Astro has carved out a niche with their irresistible sweet and savory offerings.
Their signature Fried Chicken & Donut Sandwiches are a revelation, available with a multitude of different topping combinations to suit every palate. Imagine a classic BLT reimagined with the unexpected sweetness of a donut, or a comforting breakfast version featuring rich sausage gravy – these creations are designed to surprise and delight. If you’re not quite ready to merge your savory and sweet, fret not; they also serve their expertly crafted doughnuts sans chicken. We’re particularly fond of their playful PB&J donut, which perfectly encapsulates childhood nostalgia, and the indulgent Cookie Dough flavor. And for those seeking a modern twist, who wouldn’t be intrigued by a rich chocolate sprinkle doughnut infused with CBD? Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience, celebrating the delicious harmony between two seemingly disparate, yet utterly complementary, comfort foods.
Los Angeles is undeniably a hotspot for donut enthusiasts, a city where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious ways. From the freshest hourly-fried batches at Sidecar to the punk rock vegan creations of Donut Friend, the Instagrammable delights of California Donuts, and the world-famous Cronuts of Dominique Ansel, there’s a sweet treat for every craving. The Donut Man offers a seasonal fruit spectacle, Plan Check surprises with gourmet cruellers, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse delivers daily changing soft-filled wonders, and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken boldly fuses savory and sweet. Each establishment brings its unique flair and flavor to the vibrant LA donut scene.
Whether you’re a local seeking your next favorite indulgence or a visitor eager to explore the city’s culinary gems, this guide provides a gateway to some of the most unforgettable donut experiences LA has to offer. So, go ahead, treat yourself, and discover why Los Angeles truly is the golden age of donuts. Your taste buds will thank you!