Best Donuts Restaurants in Santa Monica
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
World's freshest doughnuts made hourly in small batches.
Essential Picks
9.1
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sidecar fries small batches of artisanal doughnuts hourly using seasonal ingredients and house-made glazes, compotes, and creams. Their butter and salt cake donut has achieved cult status among LA's donut aficionados, while the huckleberry special draws lines of devoted customers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter & Salt Cake Donut, Huckleberry Donut, Maple Bacon Raised
What Makes it Special: World's freshest doughnuts made hourly in small batches.
Notable Picks
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired taro donuts fried to order in coconut oil bring a dense, cake-like texture with tropical glazes that rotate weekly. The made-to-order approach means each donut arrives hot, though the smaller size and premium price point may surprise first-timers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Taro Donut, Hail Mary, Chaga Chai
What Makes it Special: Hawaii's taro donut tradition brought to Santa Monica with made-to-order preparation
8.2
This iconic LA chain brings its famous oversized donuts and classic recipes to Santa Monica with consistent quality and generous portions. The glazed raised donuts are fluffy perfection, while specialty items like Randy's Rounds offer playful twists on traditional favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Glazed Raised, Apple Fritter, Maple Bar
What Makes it Special: Legendary LA donut brand with oversized portions.
Worthy Picks
#4
Donut King
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Family-run neighborhood spot behind Starbucks serves old-school donuts alongside breakfast sandwiches and boba drinks from early morning until evening. The unassuming strip mall location belies consistently fresh donuts at budget prices, with apple fritters earning particular devotion from regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Chocolate Chip Bar, Glazed Raised
What Makes it Special: Old-fashioned donuts at unbeatable prices in a no-frills neighborhood setting
#5
Alfalfa
7.6
Counter-service cafe from Hoboken specializes in organic salads and wraps but offers gluten-free donuts with unique flavors like lemon thyme and fairy bread. The sunny back patio and health-forward approach attract the Main Street lunch crowd seeking balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Thyme Donut, Fairy Bread Donut, Blood Orange Donut
What Makes it Special: Gluten-free donuts fried in dedicated fryers alongside health-focused salads
#6
Dunkin'
7.5
America's beloved chain delivers reliable classics and signature coffee drinks in a convenient downtown location. While not artisanal, Dunkin' provides consistent quality, fast service, and wallet-friendly prices that make it a solid everyday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boston Kreme, Glazed Donut, Wake-Up Wrap Sandwiches
What Makes it Special: National chain reliability with extended hours.