50 Best Donuts in San Diego

“Traditional, fresh, and tasty cake & yeast-raised donuts in a cozy yet dated setting, not to be missed! Server ensures every customer feels welcomed and cared for. She may be quite chatty, eager to engage customers in conversation and share stories and opinions. Her presence adds a personal touch to the experience, making each visit memorable beyond just the delicious treats.“

“Great donuts, great service! Some of the comments say it's cash only, but I paid with card (and it was an extremely good deal/great price)! I love a coconut donut, and the coconut donut here was easily the best I've ever had. Definitely coming back again soon.

Update: been back two more times now, donuts + service have been impeccable and amazing every time. Love this place“

“This place is sooo good! You have to try it!“

“Great product and incredible customer service.“

“Really good milk tea!! The mocha mochi donut, the oreo Mochi donut, and the ube Mochi donuts were the best! I wish I could've tried the Black Sesame flavor but they were all out.

Parking: We went on a Sunday, but it's always hard to find parking in Hillcrest. We got lucky and found street parking a couple blocks away.“

“This was my first time having rolled ice cream. It was really flavorful. I got the strawberry with cheesecake bites.“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

“Absolute best donuts in the world. 100/10“

“Okay Mike Irizarry this is not a fake review ?
Listen, I don’t really like donuts. I only like one type and that’s chocolate with sprinkles. However, my fiancé LOVES donuts. So by default we both have tried lots of donut shops in San Diego. He is fairly easily impressed, but I am not. I have to so this is by far the best donut shop we have been too. I guess you could say it’s subjective because it depends how each person likes their donuts. I like them doughy, but fluffy at the same time. Not dense like whatever Krispy Kreme has going on. This place is good and they have so many options. They also have a good selection of drinks compared to most donut shops.“

“Everything you expect out of the corner donut shop. The donuts were a bit more dry than I like, but the green thai iced tea was AMAZING. would highly recommend the thai iced tea if you go. The two ladies working the front had great customer service. I will be back!“

“Hi I recommend this entirely“

“I was driving down the road, thinking that every donut place was closed needing is fixtures and sugar and I just happen to stumble upon like a doughnut in Mira Mesa like you’ll have to stop here this place is the bomb donuts are the best I think I’ve ever had and the service was amazing. People are nice, friendly, helpful, and they know how to bake a damn donut check it out.

Parking: Never have to look for a. Space“

“Super nice donut place next to Clairemont Coffee. I grabbed a bagel with cream cheese and avocado before my meeting. It was so delicious!!! I love the heat up the bagel, it’s crunchy outside and soft inside. Also they put a lot of cream cheese and avocado inside. While I was eating there, a lot of people come in to buy donuts in a Thursday afternoon, I bet their donuts are delicious.“

“This place is sooo good! You have to try it!“

“Yummy Fresh Donuts They accept cards now (+50c fee only)“

“Best donuts in San Diego, very nice people.“

“Always an amazing experience. I love that they offer vegan options that are delicious and unique. It is one of my favorites for donuts! The coffee is quite good too.“

“There no place that gives you a better donut at a competitive price point. I vividly remembering running to get PQ donuts after 5th grade class. I’m 32 now and have lived in different countries and cities where I’ve sampled countless donuts/fried pastries. PQ Donuts is a humble business with an incredible, consistent product. Not campy or over-the-top, just the humble classics executed perfectly and deliciously. A must try when you’re in the area.“

“Self-described as “The World’s Freshest Doughnuts,” and personally felt to be the Nation’s premier purveyor of fried Dough ever since stumbling across the Costa Mesa flagship in 2013, it was via good fortune that Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee was found in San Diego on Sunday, several fresh-from-the-fryer rings again demonstrating unparalleled Ingredients and smartly developed recipes.

Ever expanding, and part of Del Mar Highlands Town Center since 2018, it was mostly from old favorites that six were selected, Huckleberry and Strawberry each natural in terms of sweetness while “Choc-A-Lot’ triples-down on texture and decadence.

Moving next to a classic, Sidecar’s Old Fashion showing why fryer time and temperature matters in its lightness, it should come as no surprise that when Sidecar stays simple results raise the bar whether in the case of Saigon Cinnamon Crumb or Butter & Salt.“

“Got a dozen donuts two days in a row and they were fresh, tasty, and not too sweet. Excellent! Our new go to place for donuts!

Parking: There is parking in the lot in front of the store, but you might have to wait a couple minutes for a spot, or park on a side street.

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking, entrance, and seating.“

“As someone who has often worked in or around small airports, I learned, early on, that pilots always make sure to have good food nearby, and Christy's is no exception. And, as a dough-"nut," I believe that Christy's serves up what may well be the finest donuts in Southern California, (...and I've tasted most of the overpriced/novelty hipster ones. And, If you count a certain Portland chain, they may be the best on the west coast.) Christy's texture is significantly different from most every other doughnut I've had -- the cake varieties anyway -- and her glazes are also superbly applied with loving care; take a close look. While I'm no baker, my guess is that Christy's infuses each donut with extra butter, or something that makes it a significantly moist denser crumb. Amazing... And, each time I've been here, the donuts could have been used in a photo shoot. What the proprietors perhaps lack in a pretense of fawning, they make up tenfold in a quality product. The lady *(I presume Christy?), who's most often here when I've been here said they've been in the space for over 35 years. So - give her a break. She surely gives you one on prices - as they are in the In-n-Out affordable range, as compared to other bakeries, even with the ongoing inflation. The coffee's good too.“

“Dont sleep on this place ! I’ve tried a few of the area donut places (golden donut, rose donut) and this place has the fluffiest donuts with the best texture ! They also make a great ice coffee and the sandwiches remind me of the bodega sandwiches back from when I lived in “

“Love getting my donuts from this diamond in the rough. I appreciate the freshness of the donuts as well as the quality of service received by the owner. I feel like family every visit. I feel known and appreciated. Highly recommend this donut shop.“

“Local family owned and operated longer than I been in San Diego (over 17 years). Great donuts and great fun. I highly recommend enjoying their great selection; especially now because they have been hit hard like other small family businesses.“

“Everything was fresh and delicious. When we got there, there were a couple of people in front of us. We had to wait for 3 bagle sandwiches, and by the time we left, there was a line of at least 10 customers. Mostly return customers. We'll be back!“

“Love the National Donut Day sticker. I have donut shop a block away from my house however I go out of my way to support sesame donuts ! Always fresh and delicious what real donuts should taste like! Also they have awesome Ham and cheese croissants“

“I was running through Mission Hills in need of lunch and craving a breakfast sandwhich. Donut Star's breakfast sandwiches are made to order, hot and filling. Paired with a cup of coffee or a soda, it's a solid running around meal on the go.

But this time, I ran in and the glass cases were so full and enticing. The sugar and sun glinted glazes called to me. I ended up getting an Assorted dozen. The range included, sugar glazed, sugar raised, frosted yeast donuts, old fashioned cake donuts, frosted chocolate cake donuts, blueberry, coffee crumble, jelly powdered and cream filled, even lil apple fitters. These donuts are light and fluffy and MEEEEELT into puddles of butter and sugar, when you bite into them. Cut that with a bitter cup of coffee.
This is the weekday treat. The dozen so good that If you place this box on the counter, the donuts will call to you all day to keep breaking off another piece to "taste."
I called a neighbor on my way home, and we ended up sharing the box around the block.

If you're debating on bringing donuts to the office. You should absolutely bring a box, and you should get them from Donut Star.

Staff is friendly and fast.“

“Best doughnuts and coffee!! All my kids loved them. The coffee tasted great and was fresh and hot. The service was excellent and the lady behind the counter was extremely nice and attentive. This place will be our family’s new doughnut spot. I definitely recommend everyone to try!“

“Love this place we use to live right down the road but now we live in Arizona. We go there everytime we are in Cali. The food is always great, no matter what you get. And staff is always friendly. :)“

“Excellent Donuts. First time visiting today, and the Donuts tasted fresh, the bars were perfectly soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the out, and the chocolate and maple icing was delicious - not overly sweet but bursting with flavor. Old fashioned was amazing as well.There has not been a lot of Donut places which deliver so well: and I've tried plenty from Chula Vista all up to Rancho Bernardo - little hole in the walls to gourmet "fancy" places. Through it all I've been locked to my ol' regular place for a while. Happy to find another place I can become a new regular at.“

“I know it’s a chain but it feels like a welcoming little local spot. Prices are very reasonable which I feel is so rare these days, service is good and all the employees are friendly. We love coming here for bacon/sausage, egg, and cheese bagels/croissants and a few donuts.“

“My wife and I stopped by for breakfast while visiting from out of state and were so happy we did. The food was great and the service was even better. Watching them interact with multiple customers they seemed like pillars of the community. Highly recommend the croissant sandwich!“

“No better way to celebrate a birthday than a custom birthday "cake." 60 mini donuts arranged in a "3" for our donut-loving boy's special day. These are fresh, delicious, not too sweet and the perfect size for preschoolers (or adults who want "just a bite"). Ordered online Sunday afternoon for Monday morning pick-up and the whole process was seamless. Birthdays for our family will never be the same.“

“My favorite classic donut shop! It's a small family owned shop that makes the most amazing apple fritters. Baked perfectly, they are soft on the inside, right consistency on the outside, and crispy on the edges. Delicious! Large portions and good prices. Definitely a must try, and I highly recommend the apple fritters.“

“Little hidden spot. Went in but they didn’t have a lot of options. The one that I ended up getting were soo good!! Would give it another star if they had more options. The donuts are nice and fluffy. Also the lady was super nice and gave me a extra donut. I just notice that I went close to closing so maybe that’s why they didn’t have many options.“

“Best donut I have ever put in my mouth. Hands down! Tried the ube blue yam donut it was so soft and delicious!! Hot fresh coffee was great! Breakfast sandwich on the everything bagel was great! And the half dozen donuts for the road will be finished momentarily. Haha. Highly recommend!! 10/10 Across the board!!“

“I work overnights, at a clinic. There's something comforting about a 24-hour donut shop down the street. And this one has good donuts round the clock, good lunch food, and a friendly attendant behind the counter. I'm so glad Yum Yum is there for us.“

“this donut shop has been in business since i was young and i have great memories going here w my parents and i was lucky to relive those memories with my kids to where this is one of their favorite donut shops here in San Diego. THESE DONUTS HAVE BEEN GREAT FOR 20+ YEARS!!!!!“

“Better get there early! Went a little after 5am and they had a huge variety of freshly made donuts ? they were huge, warm and fluffy inside! Friendly staff even that early! Best place to get ? around town. Well worth the price. Our go to place from now on!“

“The donuts there are very good. I really like that they are open all night. Never know when the craving for a donut will happen! And they were very dog friendly and even gave my dog a treat! Also the sandwich was bigger then I expected! Good job“

“A MUST when you are in San Diego! The doughnuts are thick but not heavy. So tasty!!!“

“The best donuts in town... literally! I've been going to them for over a decade, even though I've moved out of the area, because I have yet to find another place with donuts so good. My co-workers know the difference when I bring in donuts from anywhere other than Christy's. You always see the super friendly owners there and they have a surprisingly large variety for a smaller shop. Heads up- they only take cash. They do have other things like shakes, but definitely go there for all your donut needs.“

“Really nice donuts and they have a specialty dozen that mimics a dozen roses type order (meaning special donuts in a long delivery box). Some items can sell out quickly so plan ahead for Friday/payday mornings. The standard sugar donuts, buttermilk bars and apple fritters are all excellent.“

“I must say, I'm genuinely surprised that this place didn't have a lengthy line stretching for miles outside. Their fritters and ham/cheese croissants are absolutely exquisite. And let's not forget the awesome apple pie burrito they offer. This place is truly a hidden gem, especially if you find yourself in this part of San Diego in the morning.“

“If you are ever in Balboa Park, Daniel’s Coffee is the place to grab an amazing cup of coffee. Let’s just say it is so good you will be thinking about the coffee your entire trip in San Diego. It is truly a beautiful cup of coffee. My cousin and I extremely enjoyed the Biscoff Crumble iced coffee; it was truly perfect. The service was fantastic and the beautiful energy received from the staff will always have you going back for more.“

“Love their product! Its so unique! The churros are as authentic as the ones I had as a child in Mexico yet they have the Spanish hot chocolate as well! Sugar cinnamon or hot chocolate for whatever mood you may be in!!! I am constantly following their posts on ig to see their pop-“

“Had a quick family vacation and surprised the all the kids with donuts in the morning.

These were delicious . They were absolutely huge

The only downside when ordering half dozen and dozen online we couldn’t leave a note or decline any donuts

We don’t eat bacon so we had to throw away a bunch of donuts that ended up with bacon on them“

“The food was great, I got a turkey avocado bagel sandwich and a cherry jelly filled donut and was very satisfied. Service was quick and to the point. I went late at night so I think they wanted to fulfill the order fast, which didn't bother me since I wanted to be out fast anyways.

Wheelchair accessibility: This location is decently wheelchair accessible, with enough room to maneuver if it isn't too busy.“

“These Donuts are delicious and Large. My favorite is the Buttermilk Old Fashion. They'll warm my donut for me. I just learned they accept Venmo, otherwise Cash. I will drive past KK, to get these Donuts ? ?When I need to use the Laundromat, I look forward to treating myself here“

“Delicious, wonderful, and great customer serve. I’ve never been unhappy. That’s my me-time place to be.“