How Was The List Made?
Donuts are one of my favorite treats to enjoy; if making them isn’t difficult, taking to the next level weather by perfecting a classic recipe or crafting new delicacies, it truly takes a baker at the top of its craft to make the best of them. So you won’t any big franchise here; as a matter of fact one of the locations listed as a Krispy Kreme across the street but all the ones here are independent and for most of them only have a single location.
A Walk on the Beach
The idea of doing a tour of all the local donut shops came from the many walks at sunrise on the beautiful beaches of La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad when it’s so early that only bakeries are open and that donuts became synonymous with them.
Simply The Best!
Let’s answer the one question everyone should ask at the end of this list: which was the best donut I had? That’s very easy to answer: the Broad Street Dough Co. had a cinnamon beignet filled with whip cream, sparkles, and topped with Dulce de Leche and marshmallow.
The Cream Of The Crop
These are without the shadow of a doubt the best donut shops in North county. Every single one of them excels at what they do best from perfecting the basics to crafting new tasteful sensations; they are the place to go to experience donuts at their finest.
VG Donut & Bakery
Cardiff by the Sea
When asking people in North county, the first and most frequent answer I got was VG and after trying them, I wasn’t disappointed; they have a good variety of old fashioned donuts and their cookies and cakes are to die for.
Broad Street Dough Co.
Encinitas
One of the places I’ve kept hearing about but never had the chance to try until very recently is this gem. The donuts are super creative, fluffy, and the taste is second to none; it’s definitely a place every donut lover should try.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Del Mar
Their boxes are very luxurious and remind me of Tiffany’s iconic blue boxes but with baked good inside; the donuts are great, no question about it; if you’re looking for cheap and your regular donuts; this is not the place but for something out of the ordinary; it’s a must go.
Well Above Average
Some of their competitors might be better in specific areas but the following shops are really good at what they do and they know what they are. There’s no wrong choice here.
The Goods
Carlsbad
This still might be a hidden gem; it doesn’t look and feel like your average donut shop but make no mistake; these are some of the best donuts in North county.
Donutopolis
Poway
There is a lot of variety and originality here; there might not be some fancy and elaborate donuts but it comes to the basics or their few original creations; these are absolutely worth it.
Sesame Donuts
Carmel Mountain Ranch
Cheap and good! The donuts are great and they know how to cater to children no matter their age; from pokeball to minion donuts; some of the most kid-friendly and delicious baked goods at a reasonable price can be found here.
Donut Touch
4S Ranch
I wouldn’t call it San Diego’s Best but it’s definitely one of. For every classic it’s a great place with your classics but you might be very disappointed by a few like the maple bacon donut that’s really not on par with what everybody else is offering in the area.
Worth A Try
They wouldn’t be my first choice and wouldn’t take some time just to go there but if you’re in their area, you should stop by and try them; you won’t be disappointed.
Peterson’s Donut Corner
Escondido
It’s always busy which is a good sign; the quality is there and it’s well worth giving it a try. These are old fashion donuts and the experience is great but be ready to wait in line.
Savoy Donuts
Escondido
Not sure if it’s always the case but we went there on a Sunday morning and it was closed. The donuts are good but would we drive to Escondido just for them; there are better option closer to the coast.
PQ Donuts
Rancho Penasquitos
This is the kind of place if you don’t expect too much, you’ll be pleased; if you expect some fancy baked goods, you might be disappointed. No fuzz and no thrills just some really good old fashioned donuts.
