Top 10 Best Donuts Los Angeles
Discovering LA’s Doughnut Delights
A Sweet Mix of Doughnut Shops
Los Angeles is a doughnut lover’s paradise, thanks to a rich mix of flavors and styles brought to life by Southeast Asian immigrants. These sweet treats are everywhere, from strip malls to trendy spots (Eater LA). Whether you’re craving a classic glazed or something wild like huckleberry, LA’s got you covered.
I get a kick out of finding new doughnut spots, each one putting its own spin on this beloved pastry. Some days, I’m all about a simple glazed doughnut. Other times, I’m hunting for something adventurous like a blueberry pancake doughnut. The mix of old-school mom-and-pop shops and hip new places keeps things fresh and exciting.
Here’s a quick look at some popular doughnut types you can find in LA:
| Doughnut Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Glazed | Sweet, simple, and timeless |
| Raised Doughnut | Light, fluffy, with various toppings |
| Cake Doughnut | Dense, rich, often flavored |
| Filled Doughnut | Cream or fruit-filled goodies |
| Specialty Doughnuts | Unique flavors and toppings |
Old-School Charm vs. New Flavors
Exploring LA’s doughnut scene, I’ve noticed a cool mix of old-school charm and new flavors. The mom-and-pop shops bring a sense of nostalgia with their classic recipes and handmade treats. They’re the heart of LA’s doughnut culture, offering a taste of tradition.
Then there are the new kids on the block, shaking things up with bold flavors and modern twists. Take Louks Greek Baby in Downey, for example. They opened in 2023 and serve up crispy, airy donut holes with honey and fun toppings like churros and Oreos (Eater LA).
Both types of shops bring something special, making it a blast to try them all. The mix of comforting classics and daring new ideas keeps me coming back for more. For a full dive into LA’s food scene, check out the best food in Los Angeles and see how doughnuts fit into this tasty city.
Must-Try Doughnut Shops in LA
When it comes to indulging in the best donuts in Los Angeles, I can’t help but get excited about the unique flavors and creative concoctions offered at various shops around the city. Here are three must-try doughnut spots that have captured my heart (and taste buds).
Moon Donuts: The Custard-Filled Delight
Moon Donuts has developed a cult-like following in the South Bay for their irresistible custard-filled doughnuts. Each bite is a heavenly experience, with creamy custard that practically bursts from the soft, fluffy dough. It’s no wonder this place has become a go-to for those seeking the ultimate doughnut experience (Eater LA).
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Custard | Traditional custard filling with a light glaze |
| Chocolate Custard | Rich chocolate glaze with custard inside |
| Seasonal Flavors | Varieties that change with the seasons |
Mochinut: Fusion of Korean and Traditional Doughnuts
Mochinut is a delightful fusion of Korean rice flour hot dogs, bubble tea, soft serve, and the star of the show—mochi doughnuts. This innovative shop combines traditional doughnuts with mochi, creating a chewy texture that’s simply spectacular. I love how they offer a range of flavors and toppings, making it fun to try something new each time I visit (Eater LA).
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Mochi | Classic mochi doughnut with a sweet glaze |
| Matcha | Matcha-flavored doughnut with a green tea glaze |
| Fruity Pebbles | Topped with colorful cereal for a fun crunch |
Louks Greek Baby: Crispy, Airy Donut Holes
Louks Greek Baby is a new gem that opened in Downey in 2023. They offer crispy and airy donut holes topped with honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. Each donut hole is a delightful treat, and I can’t resist the creative toppings like churros, Oreos, or their strawberry and white chocolate louk with cookie crumble (Eater LA).
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Honey & Cinnamon | Classic topping that enhances the donut’s flavor |
| Churro | Topped with churro pieces for extra sweetness |
| Strawberry & White Chocolate | A decadent combination that’s hard to resist |
These shops represent just a taste of the vibrant doughnut scene in Los Angeles. If you’re on the hunt for the best food in Los Angeles, don’t forget to check out these delicious spots. For more sweet options, you might also want to explore the best desserts in Los Angeles.
Iconic Doughnut Spots in LA
Los Angeles is a doughnut lover’s paradise, with some spots that are just too good to miss. Each place has its own flair, making them essential stops for anyone hunting for the best donuts in Los Angeles. Here are my top three picks that you absolutely need to hit up!
California Donuts: Crazy Good Creations
California Donuts in Koreatown is a goldmine of creativity. They’ve been wowing doughnut fans since 1982. This place is famous for its wild creations, like the Snickers Bar Donut and what many say is the best blueberry cake donut in town (LAist).
Their menu is packed with flavors, from classics to funky new ones like strawberry matcha swirl and lemon-berry crumble. If you’re in the mood for something fun, they also do custom orders with cute decorations, from pandas to unicorns.
| Doughnut Type | Flavor Ideas |
|---|---|
| Specialty Doughnuts | Snickers Bar, Blueberry Cake |
| Seasonal Options | Strawberry Matcha, Lemon-Berry |
The Donut Hole: Flavor and Fun
Next up is The Donut Hole in La Puente, known for its quirky building as much as its tasty doughnuts. This shop offers a mix of flavors, including bacon maple, Oreo, Fruit Loops, and Reese’s Pieces (LAist).
Visiting The Donut Hole is an experience in itself. You get to enjoy flavors that break the mold while soaking in the fun design of the shop.
| Doughnut Type | Flavor Ideas |
|---|---|
| Unique Flavored Doughnuts | Bacon Maple, Oreo, Fruit Loops |
Donut Man: Fruit-Filled Legends
Donut Man, around since 1972, is a beloved spot in Glendora and downtown LA. It’s famous for its fruit-filled doughnuts, especially the strawberry and peach ones (LAist).
What makes Donut Man special is their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. They switch up their fruit-filled options based on what’s in season, offering flavors like blueberry, pumpkin, apple spice, and their legendary summer peach-filled doughnut.
| Doughnut Type | Flavor Ideas |
|---|---|
| Fruit-Filled Doughnuts | Strawberry, Peach, Blueberry |
These doughnut spots capture the heart of LA’s food scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you gotta try these treats. For more tasty picks in the city, check out my guide on the best food in Los Angeles.
Celebrity-Owned Doughnut Shops
Los Angeles isn’t just a melting pot of cultures; it’s also a haven for some of the most unique doughnut shops, especially those owned by celebrities. Let me spill the beans on two of my all-time favorites: Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts and Sidecar Doughnuts.
Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts: Wild Flavors
Danny Trejo, the iconic actor, has brought his flair to the doughnut scene with Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts in Hollywood. This place is a playground for your taste buds. Ever thought of a donut that tastes like nachos? Or one inspired by Abuelita’s chocolate? They even have a Margarita donut that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha! And for the plant-based crowd, their berry donut is a must-try.
Check out some of the wild flavors at Trejo’s:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Nacho | Savory goodness that tastes just like nachos. |
| Abuelita | Rich and chocolatey, inspired by Abuelita’s chocolate. |
| Margarita | Zesty and fun, like a fiesta in your mouth. |
| Berry | Vegan and bursting with fruity flavor. |
Craving more unique eats? Peek at the best food in Los Angeles.
Sidecar Doughnuts: Fancy Treats
If you’re after something a bit more posh, Sidecar Doughnuts is your go-to. With spots in Santa Monica, Fairfax, Culver City, and beyond, they pride themselves on serving “the world’s freshest doughnut.” Made in small batches, these airy delights are always fresh and fluffy. Their flavors are top-notch, like Butter & Salt and Saigon Cinnamon Crumb, which are to die for.
Here are some standout flavors:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Butter & Salt | Sweet and salty, a match made in heaven. |
| Saigon Cinnamon Crumb | Warm and spiced, perfect for cozy vibes. |
| Huckleberry | Fruity and perfect for berry lovers. |
| Meyer Lemon | Bright and citrusy, a refreshing twist. |
Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the best desserts in Los Angeles.
Trejo’s and Sidecar Doughnuts show how celebrity-owned spots can take your doughnut game to the next level. Whether you’re in the mood for something wild or a fancy treat, these places will hit the spot!
More LA Doughnut Hotspots
When you’re on the hunt for the best donuts in Los Angeles, a few places really stand out. Here are three spots every doughnut lover should hit up.
Donut Friend: Plant-Based and Wild Flavors
Donut Friend is a true gem with locations in Highland Park, Downtown, and Silver Lake. This local favorite serves up the tastiest plant-based doughnuts you’ll ever try! They offer wild, over-the-top flavors that are sure to make your taste buds dance. My top picks? The Youth Brulée, which brings a nostalgic twist, and the Polar Berry Club, a refreshing treat perfect for any time of day. If you’re after something unique and fun, Donut Friend is a must-visit. For more info, check out Time Out Los Angeles.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Youth Brulée | Nostalgic cream-filled delight |
| Polar Berry Club | Refreshing berry explosion |
Krispy Kreme: Classic Glazed Goodness
Krispy Kreme is a name everyone knows, and for good reason! Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts, this spot remains a top choice among Angelenos. The classic glazed doughnut is simply unbeatable. Plus, students can snag up to six free doughnuts for every A on their report card, making it a hit among young scholars! If you’re craving a sweet, classic treat, Krispy Kreme is the place to go. Discover more about them at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Doughnut Type | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Classic Glazed | Melt-in-your-mouth goodness |
Randy’s Donuts: Consistent and Tasty
Randy’s Donuts is a historic spot that’s been serving up delicious treats since the era of programmatic architecture. This iconic place offers consistent and tasty doughnuts, including their signature apple fritter, which is a must-try! With multiple locations across Southern California, Randy’s is known for its budget-friendly options without skimping on quality. If you want a reliable doughnut experience, Randy’s is the way to go. More details can be found at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Signature Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Fritter | A fan-favorite with a unique twist |
These doughnut hotspots add to the vibrant food scene in Los Angeles. Whether you’re craving innovative flavors or classic options, these spots have something for every doughnut lover. For more tips on food in LA, check out my articles on best food los angeles and best desserts los angeles.
Traditional Doughnut Gems
If you’re on the hunt for the best donuts in Los Angeles, you’re in for a treat. Let me spill the beans about two legendary spots that have been serving up deliciousness for decades: Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts and Primo’s Donuts. These places are the heart and soul of LA’s doughnut scene, and I’m excited to share why they’re so special!
Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts: Classic Flavors
Nestled in the Original Farmers Market, Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts has been a beloved spot since 1947. This joint is all about those freshly fried cake and yeast doughnuts that take you back in time.
| Doughnut Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Fritter | Sweet, fruity, and oh-so-good |
| Old-Fashioned Doughnut | A timeless classic |
Bob’s also has an early bird special before 9 AM, perfect for those who like to get a jump on the day with a tasty treat. Pair their rich coffee with a doughnut, and you’ve got a breakfast worth waking up for.
Primo’s Donuts: Fan-Favorite Selections
Since 1956, Primo’s Donuts has been winning hearts with its mouth-watering doughnuts. Here are some of their crowd-pleasers:
| Doughnut Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Sourdough | Fluffy and rich |
| Glazed Buttermilk | Sweet and light |
| Cherry Sprinkles | Fun and fruity |
| Tiger Tail | Chocolate and vanilla twist |
Primo’s prides itself on fresh, high-quality coffee and doughnuts, and you can taste the love in every bite. Visiting these classic doughnut shops is a must for anyone looking to experience the best food in Los Angeles. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of Bob’s or the delightful variety at Primo’s, both spots offer something special for every doughnut lover.
