Here is the list of Best Donut shops in San Diego based on my opinion! Famous shop, popular one, local one, and also 2 shops that are ranked in “Top 100 US Donut Shops 2022” on Yelp.
The Donut Bar : Must Try Shop
If you are visiting San Diego for the first time, I’d recommend to go to The Donut Bar. I find a line in front of the shop mostly every time i pass by.
This shop have been on TV like “The Ellen”, “Conan”, etc. Also “The Gold Standard of Donut Shops” by Forbes.
Their donut is pretty big as I get full by eating just one. I like going there with some people to buy multiple and share so that we can enjoy some donuts! They make “Padres” designed donut on its game day, and also seasonal ones depending on the event. That’s fun to find something new.
I actually have watched the shop on Youtube before visiting, and seen the owner introducing his shop and saying he is there every day. As he said, i saw him at store when I visited for the first time, and i could tell that he loves his donuts and what he does. Isn’t it nice? 😉
📍Downtown
The Donut Bar – Downtown San Diego
The Goods : Beloved Local Donut Shop
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In Carlsbad, you can find this beloved donut shop called The Goods. I got to know this shop from my friend saying that the locals love this shop! You can walk to this shop from Carlsbad Village Station (Coaster).
They make fresh donuts with local ingredients if possible. I usually go before noon, and I find a lot of variety people there, from kids to elders.
The Goods – Carlsbad
- Local Shop (only this location)
- Gluten Free : Available
- Vegan : Available
- Close if sold out
📍Carlsbad
Parlar Doughnuts : Croissant x Donut
This is not from San Diego nor even California, however, I like Parlor Doughnuts! You can find it nearby Solana Beach. They have Cronut which is mixed with croissant and donut. It’s crispy outside, and very soft inside.
I’d recommend to go in the morning, or early afternoon at latest because it could be sold out.
I’ve tried strawberry, chocolate, maple, etc. I liked the simple one the best!
Parlor Doughnuts – Solana Beach
- Location : All over the USA
- Parking : Available
📍Solana Beach
SideCar Donut & Coffee : From OC
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SideCar Donut & Coffee has their shops only in SoCal, you can find one in Del Mar Town Heights 🍩 As soon as you enter the shop, you can smell very fresh donuts! It’s nice to find the seasonal flavor which you can check online too.
The size of donut is bigger than normal, i’d say. And it’s very fluffy that you can tell it’s fresh!
They have nice coffee too as they have “coffee” in the name of the shop! I like getting a donut and a cup of cafe latte, and walk to the terrace seats nearby the escalator.
SideCar Donut & Coffee – Del Mar
- Seasonal Flavor : Available
- Only in South California
- Parking : Available
📍Del Mar
Sesame Donuts：The 6th in “Top 100 US Donut Shops 2022” on Yelp
In 2022, Sesame Donuts got awarded for the 6th in “Top 100 US Donut Shops 2022” on Yelp. It takes about 20 minutes to get this shop from Downtown San Diego by driving.
I’d say that it’s very low-price and smaller than “normal” American donuts, (which is actually perfect for me). I like their Cinnamon Roll.
Sesame Donuts – Carmel Mountain
Parking : Available
📍Carmel Mountain Ranch
Broad Street Dough Co : The 34th in “Top 100 US Donut Shops 2022” on Yelp
There is a donut shop named Broad Street Dough Co in Encinitas, which is ranked in the 34th “Top 100 US Donut Shops 2022” on Yelp.
It was very difficult for me to choose which one I’d get, because they have very unique donuts!
They put cream after I order, so I could enjoy the nice harmony of cream and dough!
Broad Street Dough Co – Encinitas
- Parking : Available
- Vegan : Available
- Gluten Free: Available
📍Encinitas
Chain Donut Shops in San Diego
If you are looking for the chain shops in San Diego, you can find
- Dunkin Donut
- Krispy Kreme Donut
Hope it helps you find your favorite donut shop in San Diego, CA!!
