49 Best Donuts in San Francisco

“Very visually pleasing! I bought two to-go and recommend eating them as soon as possible since they don't travel or store well. Best fresh and eating from a napkin while wandering around Japantown. I got a choco and strawberry (whatever had pink frosting?) one, I didn't see a fruity pebble topping one but I was there towards the closing end of their shop hours.“

“Stumbled upon this place and loved it!“

“Honestly one of the better donuts I’ve had in a minute. Especially fresh and out the grease, super tasty. They are a little bit pricey, but open late and the service is good.

Would not recommend the chocolate croissant though, wasn’t a big fan. Just stick to the glazed.“

“Great corner spot for easy access to donuts. Great variety, and nice staff members explaining the flavors. The display case was cute and organized neatly with name tents. Came here after an ebike tour and ordered thir famous Apple Fritter donut. Great flavor! Lovely day.

Famous Apple Fritter donut - massive!!“

“A neighborhood gem! The outside signage is amazing. The Cambodian family that run it are super attentive and nice. Always a chill vibe in there and the Thai Iced Tea is on point. They have so many choices and I try to pick a new one every time. Can’t go wrong with a classic.“

“Living in Nob Hill this place is my favourite go to spot, the bbq pork vietnamese sandwich is amazing, the breakfast sandwiches hit the spot, their cream cheese chocolate muffin is to die for. But what makes this place a 10/10 is customer service, the ladies who run the store are amazing people, super friendly and accommodating, make great convo, give amazing recommendations. Love coming here because of the good food and hospitality. 11/10 would recommend!“

“Excellent Service and Food is Hot And Well Prepared!“

“The patio? There’s a patio??

I’ve been coming to Dynamo for years and somehow had no idea. I always just grabbed a donut to go or picked up a box for coworkers and left.

This time I saw the “patio” sign, grabbed a coffee and a donut, and sat down—and it completely changed everything.

It’s sunny, quiet, and weirdly perfect for getting work done. Great donuts, great coffee - but the patio is the hidden gem.“

“We stayed across the street at the Hilton for Valentines Day. In the lobby the breakfast bagel was 18 bucks. We walked across the street, RIGHT ACROSS the street, 2 bacon breakfast sandwiches and an apple fritter, 22 BUCKS!!! EXCELLENT SPOT!!! CASH ONLY!!!“

“Fresh and fluffy donuts.“

“The lady in the front was so nice, I believe that she was the owner because we told her that we were visiting from SoCal and she was so hospitable and gave me and my group cheesecake and extra stuff on the house. Would 100% go here again just for the service. 10/10 food though.“

“Classic mom and pop Chinese bakery. The jalapeño ham and cheese roll was delicious. Freshly baked chewy dough, spicy, savory and balanced. Filling to roll ratio was perfect. Lady working at counter was nice, easy in and out. No frills quality baked goods.“

“I live in LA but my family is here in SF so I travel back and forth frequently. An LA friend blabbered on and on... about “Bob’s Doughnuts on Polk!” She came to believe that I had a deprived childhood because I had never experienced Bob’s! Ooookay... relax lady, it’s a just a doughnut shop.

Recently, I had been up in SF for an extended period of time and was driving back to LA. I decided to surprise my friend with a box of goodies from Bob’s. I had her box packaged up and then selected a couple of doughnuts to nibble on the 6 hour drive... OMG, she was right, I’ve had a deprived childhood!

I like sweets but I’m not normally a “doughnut person”. IMHO - The texture and flavor rivals Michelin star pastry chef status... I don’t know what they do to them, it’s “doughnut utopia”

The texture had a lovely crisp to the outside and a perfect softness on the inside with a buttery flavor. The frosting is excellent- good flavor, texture and sweetness without the grainy, sugariness of many other baked goods. Regardless of the type of sweet, I often find myself scraping off the frosting because it feels like I’m eating straight from the sugar jar.

Bob’s is well worth the trip, calories, carb guilt and “my parents didn’t love me” therapy hours.“

“195 years ago a gentleman named Hansen Gregory was born in Rockport Maine. He was an ambitious Scottish lad that took to the ocean to become a captain. He enjoyed fried dough cakes but didn't appreciate the undercooked greasy center that they often had. He is usually credited as the origin of ring shaped donuts by punching out the center with a pepper box lid. If Gregory was alive today he would be fascinated with how many wonderful and creative ways you can produce this circular delight. I may not be a captain of a ship but I am happy to make ML Donuts apart of my voyage!“

“Marshmallow fluff;) Loved the Milkbomb sandwich! Will definitely go again;)“

“This place right here mayne! Where do I even begin 🤔🔥🙏🏼 The customer service is always on point these dudes in here go above n beyond, they even greet you by your first name when you walk in!! 👏🏼 The food... Is on anotha LEVEL!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GET YOU SOME ALL-STAR BREAKFAST, GOOD OL BURGER OR EVEN SOME ASAIN CUISINE TO GET YA DAY GOIN ON THE RIGHT NOTE 🎶 YAH FEEL ME!!!?? JAH BLESS🙏🏼✌🏼💯💚🧡💛“

“They have a huge selection of donuts and pastries. I always get cinnamon roll. I think it’s not cheap but everywhere overcharges. I am all of mom and pop shop.

There is always homeless people asked for something

The service is absolutely amazing.“

“Got on each of their poke bowls. Shoyu, half and half and spicy. The spicy is spicy but good! The bowl is just poke over rice. Got mochi doughnuts and they were really good like it was made to order! They dip the doughnuts when you order. Their doughnuts taste much better then other name brand places!“

“Very friendly couple at the counter. Always get a box of a dozen donuts here from time to time. They make them really good here, though I recommend getting them before 8am because the donut options get slimmer as the morning goes on. Browsing their menu, they have quite a variety of breakfast and lunch items that look good.“

“This place is AWESOME! Being vegan, I asked what was available. I was told the plain cake donut, the sugar donut and the crumb donut were all vegan! I grabbed a crumb and sugar and they blew me away. Absolutely wonderful. My partner, who is not vegan, got an egg and cheese sandwich that was HUGE and delicious! We also shared a lemonade that was the perfect balance of sweet and sour. I can not recommend this place enough. If not for the food, then for the excellent service. Definitely needs to be a stop when visiting San Fran:)“

“Excellent Service and Food is Hot And Well Prepared!“

“These donuts are delicious. They are perfect with a cup of coffee. Iwould definitely recommend getting them.“

“Pastries are consistently fresh, generously sized, with some styles selling out of stock quickly due to popularity. The maple frosting they use is heavenly. For savory options, you can’t go wrong with any of the numerous sandwiches options; particularly anything on a croissant is sure to satisfy. Service is consistently pleasant, prompt, and accommodating. Of note - although happily accepting credit/debit cards, skip the plastic and pay with physical cash to save on your purchase. Don’t forget - tipping is good karma 💫“

“Location is really cute and convenient and offers only some outdoor seating )few tables and chairs) around where they sell coffee and Doughnuts. However there are plenty of benches around the marina/marina green to sit on as well. There are a variety of vegan doughnuts (but they can sell out) clearly labeled in green, and they also sell dog cookies and pup cups! Staff are all very friendly and helpful“

“Gateway Croissant is one of those rare spots that quietly becomes part of your life. Tucked within a short walk of the City, State, and Federal buildings and a short walk from BART. It’s the perfect stop for anyone commuting into Civic Center.

For the last two years, any day I’m heading into the City, I have to swing by for a cruller or an apple fritter. At this point, it’s a ritual.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the pastries (though the cruller is dangerously good). It’s the people. Everyone here is genuinely kind and appreciative, the kind of staff who make you feel like your stop actually matters to them. In a busy part of San Francisco, that warmth stands out.

There’s something special about grabbing a fresh donut and taking a slow walk around the Civic Center, watching the morning unfold, the buildings light up, and the city wake around you. Highly recommend picking up a treat and enjoying a stroll through the plaza. It’s a small moment of calm that sets the tone for the whole day.

Gateway Croissant is simple, welcoming, and consistently excellent. A true neighborhood gem.“

“Wanted a sweet treat and this adorable place caught our eye. I really only wanted the matcha but their 3 for $11 was tempting so ended up getting three donuts.

Tried the matcha one as I left the shop and it was yummy. I did notice it seems more oily than other mochi donut places and could’ve done without the extra oil. The napkin I was holding was quite soaked by the time I had finished it.

Flavours were great, soft and chewy on the inside, I think it would deserve a 5 star if they could tone down the oil a bit.“

“Delicious and extraordinary.“

“We stopped here for breakfast and OMG these donuts are incredible. Good variety, we liked both their old fashioned donuts as well as their novelty ones (the campfire one was my favorite, with a dark chocolate glaze with a giant marshmallow on top). Their coffee is also very good. Overall, great stop for breakfast or a mid day snack“

“A gem in my neighborhood that I have ignored is the small business and Cantonese bakery “Donut Time,” which sells Vietnamese sandwiches, Hong Kong Milk Tea, pineapple buns (bo1 lo1 bao6), tarts (dan1 tat6), and different Cantonese pastries.

The clerk was generous, and gracious. I ordered a Hong Kong milk tea, drank about a third of it, and politely asked if I could give her 75 cents to fill my cup with black coffee, but she let me do it for free.

The items are cheap, and if you are time-strapped and need to get to work at 7 AM, this is an excellent spot for my neighbors here on Noriega Street.“

“I loved the donuts -nothing fancy, just traditional ones with classic flavors - but the dough was so fluffy that I thought they were delicious. It's a great spot to grab a coffee, eat some donuts and keep exploring the city. Next time, we ll try the Asian food.“

“Good customer service friendly and yummy donuts“

“Have only tried the doughnuts here, but they are delicious (and cheap!) every time. Bunch of different flavors of coffee too. Real hole in the wall neighborhood spot that has become my go-to. Definitely as good as Bob’s a few blocks down.“

“Walked in by chance. We were touring San Francisco and wanted to get something portable, so donuts and smoothie sounded good. Once inside we saw the two ladies making amazing ham/cheese croissant sandwich and we had to try. Delicious!! Hot and toasty from the oven, flaky croissant. So good. We also saw huge chicken burritos being made… will have one of those next time! The mango smoothie was a cool blast of flavor. Tasted like summer.We also got a glazed donut (why not?! ?) and an apple fritter. Both were fresh and delicious.Accessible. A few small tables. Street parking.“

“The donuts here are out of this world good. Especially the apple fritters, cinnamon buns, and crumb cake donut. And the coffee is really good too. Not too strong and bitter. Just right.

The staff is always friendly and helpful and quick with a smile.

There are tons of other breakfast and lunch offerings from the grill but when they have the best donuts in SF, and quite possibly the world, why try anything else. I have lived in 16 countries on 3 continents, and travelled to dozens more, and the donuts here are by far the best I have ever had.

The place is a hot spot for breakfast and lunch but as the staff is so efficient and helpful you never have to wait long.

I gave the atmosphere a 5 star because if you come to a traditional, old style, American artisan donut emporium and expect something other than basic accoutrements, you’re in the wrong place. The place is not chi-chi or frou-frou, but it is down home, comfortable and clean.“

“Mariposa Bakery is excellent place to have breakfast or a sweet snack while at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Tables and benches along the pier by the water is perfect for enjoying the sights including passenger ferries and the Bay Bridge.

Line can be long so recommend you go at an off time between breakfast and lunch or later in the day.

Great to also bring back home or your hotel if visiting“

“I didn’t know amazing places like Le Croissant Cafe still existed in big American cities. From the moment you walk in you’re greeted by the warm welcome of the cashier. This is the type of small place where the cashier remembers the orders of her regulars. I love the simple hole in the wall appearance. They had this delicious vegetarian Bhan mi (tofu&veggie ham) that was just phenomenal. If you’re looking for a refreshing old school experience check this place out.“

“One of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever had. I got the #2 with American cheese and a jalapeño bagel. I’m so impressed by how inexpensive the food is and how good it is! The owner is super sweet and I feel at home here. Thanks yall! If you haven’t been here yet, you’re missing out! Check out Glaze Donuts ☺️“

“Coffee Movement is a great new addition to the Mission District. Their drinks are consistently good, and I keep coming back for the espresso tonic especially the Orange Cream Soda, which is such a perfect summer drink.

Only complaint is the hours. Closing at 1 PM feels way too early :(
Otherwise, really solid spot and definitely worth checking out.“

“Love this place. It's been here since I was a kid. The owner is such a sweet lady and the rest of the staff are too. They always greet you with such kindness when you walk in. The food there is hella good. I love the special chicken and rice plate they have. They also serve breakfast and lunch and donuts :) plus it's right in front of a bus stop and opens at 5:30am“

“The spicy chicken wasn't as spicy as I would have liked - even with the additional hot sauce they provided - but then again, that might just be my high tolerance. The chicken itself was juicy and scrumptious and the garlic noodles had a great consistency to them. I didn't try the donuts, but the apple fritters were a great size and I definitely want to try one the next time I'm in the area. Employees were friendly and inviting, which is key for me as a return customer. And the prices are wonderful - currently 8 dollars for three items! While the selection isn't as wide as other Chinese joints (especially in Chinatown), it's great if you're craving Chinese food and want some some quick and cheap takeout.“

“Honestly… the donuts stole the show. The event was great, but Golden Gate Mini Donuts somehow made it next level. Hot, fresh, perfectly bite-sized, and dangerously easy to keep going back for “just one more.” The energy, the smell, the nonstop smiles — it turned the whole vibe from drab to unforgettable. I came for the event, stayed for the donuts, and left thinking about them all the way home. 10/10 would chase these donuts again.“

“I went to George's for late afternoon lunch. The heavenly wafts from daily freshed baked donuts, each types are works of art.

The salad I ordered, with grilled chicken with just the right amount of dressing, little gem tomatoes paired with a glass of (hard to find) Bavarian white wine Grauburgunder, a Pinot Blanc).Yum!

The service was equally pleasant. Not over bearing, just right amount of attention.

And, as the last customer to leave, I went an hour before closing, they didn't chase or rush me. In fact, when I left, they gave me a beautifully gift box of their stunning donuts that weren't sold.

I was not only touched by this gesture (as they saw me walk several times to the counter admiring these works of art donuts), but extremely appreciative.

George is a Must Go, and you will find merriment!“

“Reviewing this only for the donuts and ham+cheese pretzel croissant - incredible bakery. The croissant is my favorite in the city (including Arsicault and Tartine - different style though to be fair) because it's rich and flakey yet on the lighter side. Donuts are freshly filled and delicious. I go for the ham+cheese croissant all the time“

“Absolutely amazing. I had the bacon, egg and cheese croissant with jalapenos added. Absolutely delicious. Service is quick and the customer service is amazing. I saw the Chinese food and I'm highly intrigued and definitely want to try it. One day. So this is been incredible.“

“Opens early enough to stop in before work to get a little something. Basic breakfast and donuts so nothing exciting. I will give 5 stars to the woman behind the counter. She is friendly and kind. Great attitude for the small in & out environment.“

“Standing dine-in only. Great for coffee, doughnuts and lunch plates (fried foods, burgers and some Asian/island style food).It’s got regular staff and customers. They’re pretty consistent on quality and will throw in extras some time for regular, tipping customers. I enjoyed getting their burger and fries for lunch. Cheap even with the tip, and fairly quick. Good plate-lunch vibes.FYI, sometimes their number in Google maps is wrong/just doesn’t work even if they’re open and taking orders.“

“Excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches! Plus, they are the only place that opens at a reasonable time for coffee. It's run by one person, so it can take time, but he's pretty efficient, so not too much time. If you like good coffee, I definitely recommend Latte Express!“

“These guys are always open. You feeling like an eclair but it's 1 am. These guys got you. The apple fritter I purchased was perfectly balanced with the crispy to soft and perfectly sweet. I don't do donuts often but I am super glad I did today. Hats off to the baker.“

“Everything was perfectly cooked and delicious: NY steak(medium), pancakes, crispy hasbrowns, over easy eggs. I asked for onions and bell peppers on my corned beef hash and it was amazing.

Kid-friendliness: My 4yo enjoyed his pancakes, eggs and bacon.“