Top Donut Shops in San Diego!

So you’ve found yourself in search for the sweetest treats around, or maybe even the most savory: donuts. Lucky for you, San Diego has a plethora of establishments catered to donut lovers like yourself. We’ve found some of the most visited, unique, and innovative donut shops in San Diego for you to explore the next time you’re craving a pastry.

Nomad Donuts

Bringing flavors not previously imagined to a sugary donut, Nomad Donuts brings this pastry out of its comfort zone. Brad Keiller, the owner, decided to open shop as a way to exhibit the fresh and local flavors San Diego has to offer. Whether that be from farmer’s markets or local growers, Kristianna Zabala, executive pastry chef, then takes these flavors and incorporates them in unconventional ways that keep customers trying new combinations with a daily changing menu.

Savory and unique flavor combinations include honeydew mint prosciutto, zucchini chocolate chip, cherry chili lime, and even more that you might not find at your average donut shop. In addition to the exotic tastes of these donuts, Nomad Donuts incorporates a variety of flavorful vegan options as well.

Beyond the allure of these one-of-a-kind donuts, the ambiance of the shop provides a trendy atmosphere for guests to congregate and enjoy their pastries. To accompany their donuts, the drink menu has an extensive selection of coffee along with other donut-accompanying favorites. 

Nestled between Madison Ave & Monroe Ave University Heights, Nomad Donuts is open from 6am to 4pm weekdays (with the exception of Tuesdays) and from 8am to 2pm on weekends.

Rose Donuts

For all of you who enjoy the simple pleasures in life and tend to keep your donut preferences on the reasonable side, Rose Donuts could very well be your haven.

Classic flavors meet practicality, as all of your favorite traditional donuts are paired with convenient prices. Even better, Rose Donuts is open 24 hours a week! You’ll find all of the classics here, including the glazed twist, which has customers talking nonstop. And with most donuts costing under $2.00 it’s easy to see why customers keep making their way back to the shop. Besides the classic offerings of a donut shop, Rose Donuts serves up numerous flavors of ice cream if you’re not feeling breakfast or pastries. 

That's right, I said breakfast! Offering a lot more than just donuts, Rose Donuts offers tasty sandwiches, breakfast croissants, and specialty bagels. Specifically, the tuna sandwich served up on a flaky croissant has become a favorite for many customers outside of the donut world. 

So if you’re searching for that traditional local donut shop, look no further than Rose Donuts. You won’t have to worry about them selling out of donuts either, because they’re open 24/7 for your convenience.

Donut Panic

Most bakeries and donut shops have begun to accommodate vegan customers by including a few vegan-approved items on their menus. At Donut Panic, vegan options are their most popular donuts! You can find these vegan options on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 9am, as well as vegan cupcakes served on Fridays. Fresh vegan flavors include orange & almond, earl grey, and lavender to name just a few that circulate daily. 

If you’re not vegan, Donut Panic provides their famous apple fritter accompanied by other traditional favorites. Sandwiches, bagels, and other pastries are offered if you’re opting for something savory. 

So what makes Donut Panic stand out? Well, a unique feature Donut Panic offers is their role in the community. Every Wednesday night they host a game night for families to meet and coexist in a fun environment. The shop also can be found catering events in the San Diego community or serving up their delicious vegan cupcakes at select cafes weekly. 

You do-not want to miss out on the specialty vegan options found at Donut Panic. Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 6am to 3pm, and 7am to 3pm on Sundays, you have plenty of time to get your sweet on.

Donut Bar

Possibly the most publicized donut shop in the county; Donut Bar has accumulated national recognition for Chef Santiago and staff’s innovative sugary creations.

Some might say that the world of gourmet donuts began with Donut Bar and that wouldn’t surprise us one bit. With famous flavors like crème brûlée, maple bourbon, and of course, the big poppa tart (a donut containing a whole Poptart inside, weighing in at a pound!) this is not your average donut shop. Customers are drawn in by an array of traditional and non-traditional flavors, as well as vegan options and donuts representing some of their favorite characters like Homer Simpson, Harry Potter, and even Hello Kitty. 

Major TV personalities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Harvey, and Ryan Seacrest have vouched for Donut Bar’s excellence. Of the reviews various media sources have weighed in on, USA Today voted the shop in their top 10 best donut shops in the nation. In fact, the Donut Bar has the most awarded donuts in the entire nation!

Open on weekdays at 7am and at 8am on the weekends, Donut Bar stays open until they sell out. Be sure to arrive early, especially on the weekends to avoid too long of lines.