10 Best Donuts in Los Angeles – 2026 Update
Looking for the best donuts in Los Angeles? You’ve come to the right place.
Los Angeles runs on green juice, matcha, and spiritual awakening—but let’s not pretend this city doesn’t also run on sugar. The truth is, the best donuts in LA are just as iconic as its tacos and burgers.
From old-school legends with decades of history to new-wave spots reinventing what a donut can be, here’s your definitive guide to the 10 best donuts in Los Angeles (no Dunkin’, no Krispy Kreme, no Yum Yum—respectfully).
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The Best Donuts in Los Angeles – Top 10
1. RANDY’S DONUTS – THE RETRO LA LEGEND
If you’ve ever landed at LAX, you’ve probably seen the giant donut perched on top of this iconic shop. Opened in 1952, Randy’s is pure, unapologetic Los Angeles nostalgia.
This is where you go for the classics done right—fluffy glazed, chocolate iced, maple bars the size of your forearm. Nothing fancy, nothing trendy, just perfectly executed donuts that taste like childhood and California sunshine.
2. HOLEY GRAIL DONUTS – BEST FOR “HEALTHY-ISH” INDULGENCE
Born in Hanalei, Hawaii and now thriving in LA, Holey Grail flipped the script with taro-based, gluten-free donuts fried in coconut oil. Yes, they’re indulgent—but they feel lighter, almost virtuous.
Flavors rotate, but think classic cacao, guava, lilikoi, and other tropical glazes that lean into their island roots.
For more gluten-free goodness, Truman’s Bakery is also worth a detour, but Holey Grail is the one that made gluten-free donuts actually exciting.
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3. SIDECAR DOUGHNUTS & COFFEE – BEST FOR NEW WAVE CREATIVITY
Sidecar is where donuts went to get a much needed glow up. Founded in Orange County and now a staple in LA, they’ve built a cult following for their small-batch, constantly rotating flavors.
The huckleberry donut is the headliner—bright, tangy, and iconic—but don’t sleep on seasonal drops like butter & salt or maple bacon.
Bonus: their coffee program is just as strong, making this a full-on ritual, not just a sugar stop.
4. BIRDIES – DTLA’S POST-BREAKFAST BURRITO THERAPY
Birdies is what happens when you follow up one of the best spicy fried chicken breakfast burritos (yep, that’s a thing) in the city with a donut because you’re not emotionally ready for the experience to end.
Tucked in Downtown LA, it’s indulgent, chaotic in the best way, and exactly where you go when restraint is no longer on the table. The donuts are rich, comforting, and the perfect sugary comedown.
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5. THE DONUT MAN – HOME OF THE STRAWBERRY DONUT
A true California institution since 1972, The Donut Man is legendary for its seasonal fresh strawberry donut—stuffed, not topped, with juicy berries that somehow make it feel almost healthy (it’s not, but we love the illusion). It’s worth the drive, the line, and the inevitable sugar crash.
6. VOODOO DOUGHNUT – BEST FOR SUGAR SORCERY
Originating in Portland and bringing its wonderfully weird energy to LA, Voodoo is less about subtlety and more about spectacle.
Cereal-topped donuts, wild flavor combinations (crispy bacon, anyone?), and yes, the infamous voodoo doll donut.
Is it over the top? Absolutely. Is it the place you go when you want to perform a light hex on your ex via pastry? Also yes.
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7. TREJO’S COFFEE & DONUTS – BEST FOR VEGAN OPTIONS AND CAFECITO
Founded by Danny Trejo, this spot blends Hollywood film culture with seriously good donuts. The vegan options are standout—light, flavorful, and not an afterthought.
Pair them with a Mexican-style coffee or horchata latte and you’ve got a combo that feels distinctly Los Angeles: indulgent, but intentional.
8. BRICK & FLOUR – CHURRO DONUTS IN GLENDALE
Known primarily for their modern Mexican street food and stellar breakfast burritos, Brick & Flour quietly delivers one of the most craveable donut-adjacent treats in LA: churro donuts.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, coated in cinnamon sugar and often paired with dips that take things to another level. It’s a hybrid moment, and it works.
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9. DONUT FRIEND – PUNK ROCK WITH A PASSIONFRUIT GLAZE
Founded by Mark Trombino, Donut Friend is equal parts donut shop and emo mixtape. Everything is vegan, everything is creative, and everything has a name that probably references a band you loved in high school.
The standout: the passionfruit glaze “Compassion Fruit” donut—bright, tangy, and dangerously addictive.
10. CALIFORNIA DONUTS – THE NOSTALGIC WALK-UP WINDOW
Open 24 hours, glowing neon, and serving up donuts that feel both classic and Instagram-era playful, California Donuts is an LA staple.
The panda donut is the star—adorable, yes, but also legitimately good. This is the kind of place you stumble up to at midnight and leave with a box you didn’t plan on buying.
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RIP: DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY – GONE BUT NOT GLAZED OVER
LA lost a legend when this closed—home of the cronut, the pastry that broke the internet before that was even a thing.
If you’re chasing that laminated, fried, sugar-dusted magic, Kettle Glazed Doughnuts offers a version, and it’s good… but it’s not quite the same lightning-in-a-bottle moment.
Best Donuts in LA: Final Bite
And there you have it—the best donuts in Los Angeles, from old-school icons to gluten-free glow-ups.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, experimenting with vegan or taro-based treats, or just need a sugar-fueled emotional reset, this city delivers.
Because in Los Angeles, even your “cheat day” comes with options: gluten-free, vegan, small-batch, ethically sourced, or just unapologetically covered in glaze.
Call it balance, call it delulu. Either way, there’s a donut here for everyone.
What else would you add to the list of best donuts in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
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