LA Jolla's Best Donuts [Updated 2024]

I've tried them all - from the mom-and-pop shops to the trendy artisanal bakeries. And let me tell you, there are some seriously delicious donuts out there!

After tasting and reviewing thirteen different establishments, I can confidently say that I have found the best of the best. So sit back, grab a glass of milk (or coffee), and get ready to indulge in some of the tastiest treats that LA Jolla has to offer.

Here are my top picks for the best donuts in town.

Girard Gourmet

Highlights
Wide sandwich variety
Best chicken salad on west coast
Phenomenal Belgian pastries
Savory and tender lamb stew

First of all, let me just say that the donuts at Girard Gourmet are not the main attraction. However, their other baked goods are nothing short of phenomenal. I couldn't resist trying out their Belgian pastries which were flaky, buttery and had just the right amount of sweetness.

Aside from their baked goods, Girard Gourmet boasts a wide variety of sandwiches. And when I say wide, I mean wide. From vegetarian options to meat-filled sandwiches, they've got it all. My personal favorite was the chicken salad sandwich, which quite honestly may be the best on the entire west coast.

But wait there's more! The savory and tender lamb stew is a must-try for anyone who visits Girard Gourmet. It's like a warm hug in a bowl.

Overall, while Girard Gourmet may not be known for its donuts, it certainly has enough delicious food to make up for it. So next time you're in LA Jolla and need a break from your usual donut spot, head on over to Girard Gourmet for some phenomenal Belgian pastries or chicken salad sandwich that will have you coming back for more!

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Barrio Donas

Highlights
Hidden Jewel with High Traffic
Soft and Delicious Pork Tamale
Creative and Delicious Donuts
Friendly and Polite Staff
Remembered Customer's Name

First of all, let me just say that Barrio Donas is a hidden jewel with high traffic that you don't want to miss! The moment I walked in, I was greeted by friendly and polite staff who even remembered my name on my second visit.

Now, let's talk about the donuts. Barrio Donas has some of the most creative and delicious donuts I've ever tasted. From their classic glazed to their maple bacon bar, every bite was a burst of flavor. However, what really set them apart for me was their pork tamale. It was soft and delicious - definitely something worth trying!

The atmosphere inside Barrio Donas is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or catch up with friends over some tasty pastries.

Overall, I had a great experience at Barrio Donas and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for unique and mouth-watering donut options in LA Jolla. Trust me when I say that once you try their donuts, you'll understand why this spot is a must-visit for any donut lover out there!

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Deli-Icious

Highlights
Local business
Everything bagel w/ bacon, eggs & pepper jack cheese
Generous portions in sandwiches
Great pastrami sandwich

Firstly, I must say that this place is not your average donut shop. Deli-Icious is a local business that also offers delicious bagels and sandwiches.

Although my mission was to find the best donuts in town, I couldn't resist trying their everything bagel with bacon, eggs, and pepper jack cheese. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The combination of flavors was simply amazing and the portion size was very generous.

But let's talk about their donuts. Although they have a limited selection of flavors, the ones they offer are truly unique. From classic glazed to maple bacon and blueberry cake, each bite was a flavor explosion in my mouth.

What really impressed me about Deli-Icious was their commitment to quality ingredients. You can taste the difference when you bite into one of their donuts or sandwiches. It's no wonder why they've become a community favorite.

Overall, if you're looking for a place that offers more than just donuts but still delivers on flavor and quality, then Deli-Icious is definitely worth checking out. And be sure to try their pastrami sandwich too!

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Dodo Bird Donuts

Highlights
Superb coffee
Best glazed yeast donut
Amazing Horchata donut
Top quality coffee and donuts
Great atmosphere

First off, let me tell you that their coffee is absolutely superb! It's like they sprinkle some kind of magical fairy dust in it. I couldn't get enough of it! And the donuts? Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the glazed yeast donut. It was the best one I've ever tried. The glaze was perfectly sweet and just melted in my mouth. But wait, there's more! The Horchata donut was an absolute game-changer. The flavors were so unique and complemented each other perfectly.

Not only was the quality of their coffee and donuts top-notch, but the atmosphere was great too. I loved the laid-back vibe with a touch of quirkiness that made it stand out from other places.

Overall, Dodo Bird Donuts truly impressed me with their delicious offerings and fun atmosphere. It's definitely worth checking out if you're on the hunt for the best donuts in LA Jolla!

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Dunkin'

Highlights
Amazing staff
Good coffee
Affordable

First and foremost, I must say that the staff at Dunkin' in LA Jolla are absolutely amazing! They're friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help you choose the perfect donut. It's not often that you find such hospitable and kind service these days.

When it comes to the donuts themselves, I have to admit that while they may not be the most artisanal or unique options out there, they are still quite delicious. The glazes and toppings are always fresh and flavorful, and they offer a wide variety of classic options like glazed, chocolate frosted, and jelly-filled.

And let's not forget about their good coffee! Dunkin' is known for its quality joe, and this location in LA Jolla is no exception. Whether you're a fan of hot coffee or prefer something iced or frozen, Dunkin' has got you covered.

Finally, one thing that really stood out to me was how affordable Dunkin' is compared to some of the other artisanal donut shops in LA Jolla. You can definitely get your sweet fix without breaking the bank.

Overall, while it may not be the most unique donut shop in town, Dunkin' in LA Jolla is definitely worth a visit for its amazing staff, good coffee, and affordable prices.

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Sugar and Scribe

Highlights
Outdoor patio space
Creative plates
Warm staff
Blueberry love
Great bakery options

First of all, let me start by saying that the outdoor patio space at Sugar and Scribe is absolutely charming. It's perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while indulging in their delicious donuts. Speaking of which, their donut game is strong! Sure, they have other bakery options too, but I'm here to talk about the donuts.

The staff was so warm and friendly that I felt like I was chatting with old friends. And when it came to ordering, the creative plates made it hard to choose just one. But after some contemplation (and drooling), I decided on the blueberry love donut - what a treat! The blueberries were bursting inside the fluffy pastry and the icing on top was perfectly balanced.

Sugar and Scribe has definitely earned a spot on my list of best donuts in LA Jolla. If you're looking for a great bakery option with a cozy ambiance and warm staff, this is your spot. Don't forget to try their other creative plates too - they're just as amazing as their donuts!

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Donut Bar

Highlights
Fresh and delicious donuts
Kind and helpful owner
Incredible taste
Large donuts

First of all, let me just say that the donuts were out of this world. They were so fresh and delicious, I could hardly contain my excitement. The owner was also incredibly kind and helpful, making my experience even better.

What sets Donut Bar apart from other donut shops in LA Jolla is the taste. Every bite was bursting with flavor and I could tell that the ingredients were of high quality. I tried several different flavors but my personal favorite was the classic glazed donut. It had just the right amount of sweetness without being too overpowering.

I also appreciated the size of the donuts. They were quite large which made them perfect for sharing or for those who have a big appetite (like me).

Overall, if you're looking for a place to satisfy your sweet tooth in LA Jolla, Donut Bar is definitely worth checking out. With their incredible taste and friendly service, you won't be disappointed!

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Sprinkles La Jolla

Highlights
Salted oatmeal cornflake cookie heavenly
Open 10 mins past closing time
Easy ordering through tablets/online
Delicious cupcakes and cookies

First of all, let me tell you that if you're looking for traditional donuts, this is not the place for you. However, if you're open to trying something different yet equally delicious, then Sprinkles La Jolla is a must-visit spot.

I tried their salted oatmeal cornflake cookie and oh my goodness, it was heavenly! The combination of salty and sweet flavors was just perfect. I could have eaten a dozen of those cookies in one sitting!

Another thing that impressed me about Sprinkles La Jolla was their customer service. They were open 10 minutes past closing time and still welcomed me with a smile. That's true dedication right there!

The ordering process was also smooth and easy thanks to their tablets/online system. No need to stand in long lines or wait forever to get your order.

Although they don't specialize in donuts, Sprinkles La Jolla offers a wide range of delicious treats including cupcakes and cookies. So whether you have a sweet tooth or not, there's definitely something for everyone here.

In conclusion, if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, then I highly recommend visiting Sprinkles La Jolla. Trust me, it'll be worth it!

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Lucky Donuts House

Highlights
Exquisite fritters
Unique apple pie burrito
Varied selection of pastries
Quality breakfast sandwiches

First off, I have to say that their fritters are simply exquisite. The texture is perfect for a donut; crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They come in different flavors but my favorite was the blueberry one. It was bursting with flavor and not too sweet.

Another highlight of Lucky Donuts House is their unique apple pie burrito. Yes, you read that right - a burrito filled with apple pie goodness! The pastry is flaky and filled with warm apple filling, cinnamon, and sugar. It's like having dessert for breakfast!

Their selection of pastries is also quite varied. From classic glazed donuts to chocolate-filled croissants, there's something for everyone. Plus, they offer quality breakfast sandwiches that are perfect for those on-the-go mornings.

Overall, Lucky Donuts House is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for some delicious pastries in LA Jolla. Don't forget to try their fritters and apple pie burrito - they're game-changers!

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Corner Bakery Cafe

Highlights
Affordable options
Fast service
Fresh and tasty food
Friendly staff
Plenty of seating

First of all, let me say that I was pleasantly surprised by the affordable options available at this cafe. As a donut connoisseur, I usually expect to pay a pretty penny for my treats, but not here! Plus, the fast service meant that I could satisfy my cravings in no time.

But what about the quality of the donuts? Well, I must say that I was impressed. The donuts were fresh and perfectly glazed with just the right amount of sweetness. And let's not forget about the friendly staff who made sure that my experience was a delightful one.

One thing that really stood out to me about Corner Bakery Cafe was the ample seating available. It's always nice to have a place to sit down and enjoy your treats without feeling rushed or crowded.

Overall, if you're in LA Jolla and looking for some delicious donuts, Corner Bakery Cafe is definitely worth checking out. With its affordable prices, great service, and tasty treats, it's no wonder why this place has become one of my new favorites!

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Busy Bee's Bagel Bakery

Highlights
Fresh baked on premises goods
Private parking lot
Large selection of bagels
Delicious breakfast sandwiches
Takes Covid seriously

First off, let me just say that their bagels are fresh and delicious. The bakery bakes all of their goods on premises, so you know you're getting the real deal. Plus, they have a private parking lot which is always a plus in LA Jolla.

Now, I know what you're thinking... "But wait, isn't this article about donuts?" Don't worry my fellow donut enthusiasts, Busy Bee's also has a large selection of donuts to choose from. While not as extensive as some other bakeries in the area, the quality more than makes up for it.

But let's not forget about their breakfast sandwiches - oh my! They are seriously to die for. I had one with bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel and it was worth every single calorie.

Not only is the food great at Busy Bee's Bagel Bakery, but they also take Covid seriously. They have hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the bakery and enforce social distancing rules.

Overall, if you're looking for a place with fresh baked goods, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and decent donuts in LA Jolla then Busy Bee's Bagel Bakery is definitely worth checking out.

Golden Donut

Highlights
Creative options
Fresh, high quality
Small business

Firstly, I was impressed by their creative options. They offer a variety of donuts that are not only visually appealing but also taste amazing! From classic glazed to maple bacon, they have it all.

Secondly, the quality of their donuts is fresh and unmatched. You can tell that they use high-quality ingredients in their recipes. The texture is perfect - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Finally, Golden Donut is a small business which adds to its charm. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making your visit even more delightful.

My personal favorite was their blueberry cake donut which had just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess. The chocolate glaze on top melted in my mouth and left me wanting more.

Overall, if you're looking for an exceptional donut experience in LA Jolla, Golden Donut is a must-visit spot! Their creative options, fresh quality, and small business charm make them stand out from the rest.

Linda's Donut Shop

Highlights
Quality donuts
Fresh and delicious
Friendly staff
Affordable prices
Decent selection

First of all, I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the donuts. They were soft and fluffy, yet perfectly crisp on the outside. Each bite was filled with flavor that made my taste buds dance with delight. It's clear to me that Linda and her team put a lot of effort into making sure their donuts are fresh and delicious.

I also appreciated how friendly the staff was. They welcomed me with open arms as if I had been a regular for years! Not only did they answer all my questions about their selection, but they also recommended some of their favorite flavors. Their kindness added an extra layer of sweetness to an already delightful experience.

When it comes to prices, Linda's Donut Shop is definitely one of the most affordable options in LA Jolla without sacrificing quality. You can indulge in a tasty treat without breaking the bank.

Lastly, while there may not be an extensive selection compared to other shops in the area, Linda's Donut Shop still has a decent variety to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for classic glazed or something more adventurous like maple bacon, you won't be disappointed.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Linda's Donut Shop a try if you find yourself in LA Jolla. Your taste buds will thank you!