15 Top Places for the Best Donuts in NYC in 2025
Whether you live in the city or are visiting, it can be challenging to know where to begin your quest for the best donuts in NYC. When the craving hits, nothing is more disappointing than a dry, stale pastry that misses the mark. Luckily, there are numerous places in NYC selling delicious donuts that you’ll want again and again.
From old-fashioned to jelly-filled or sprinkle-topped, there’s something for all preferences. To help you uncover the best donut shops in NYC, we've rounded up 15 of the most renowned spots, including famous bakeries and local hidden gems. You could even treat this best donuts in NYC list like a bucket list, checking off each bakery as you try it and becoming a donut critic for a day!
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Find the Best Donuts in NYC
When you’re on the hunt for the best donut in NYC, the task can be daunting! Which borough should you look in? What style of donut do you prefer? And can you really trust the Yelp reviews? If you’re not sure where to begin, booking a food tour in NYC is a great starting point.
This activity allows you to follow around a local expert who will take you to the best restaurants in the city (for all types of cuisine). Exploring the city this way can help you find hidden gems while learning more about NYC. The best part? You'll probably come across a tiny mom-and-pop donut shop or Instagram-worthy spot that you never would’ve found otherwise.
The 15 Best Donut Shops in NYC
1. Mochi Mochi Donut
For some of the best donuts in NYC, look no further than Mochi Mochi Donut. This quaint café serves up eye-catching donuts with a unique, chewy texture. Other refreshments are also on offer, including assorted teas, lattes and even tanghulu, a sugar-coated fruit that is popular in many Asian countries. A fusion between the American donut and Japanese mochi, you can expect flavors like matcha, fruity pebbles and churro.
The Vibe
Sleek and modern with windows full of colorful pastry creations, you can enjoy limited indoor or outdoor seating or take your order of the best donuts in NYC to go.
What to Order
Specialty flavors like dalgona, a creamy coffee flavor or ube, a vibrant purple and subtly sweet ingredient will delight your tastebuds with a new kind of donut.
Mochi Mochi Donut | 33 W. 32nd St., Ste. C, New York, NY 10001 | $$
2. Doughnuttery
Imagine the classic mini donuts from your local county fair but with an exotic flavor upgrade. A staple for locals and celebs, Dougnuttery serves up some of the best mini donuts in NYC. They pride themselves on “uniquely sugared” donuts made with local and internationally sourced specialty ingredients. Best of all, these mini donuts are always made fresh to order.
The Vibe
Doughnuttery is bustling almost all the time, with locals and visitors grabbing sweet treats and beverages. It’s a grab-and-go type of place, so you’ll have to take these donuts in NYC with you to enjoy somewhere else.
What to Order
Flavors are always changing, but the seasonal pumpkin pie brûlée is a local favorite for the best donut in NYC in the fall. You can’t go wrong with a classic sugar donut either or the unique banana coconut and coffee blend.
Doughnuttery | Multiple Locations | $
3. Kora
One of the most popular spots for donuts in NYC, Kora serves Filipino-inspired donuts along with other Southeast Asian desserts. This donut shop was founded in 2020 as a happy accident when co-founder Kimberly decided to fry brioche dough instead of baking it. Kora was born as a way to honor her grandmother and her heritage, showcasing Filipino flavors and dishes to the public.
The Vibe
Kora is an online-only business, so place your order ahead of time and you will be instructed when and where pick-up for that drop of the best donuts in NYC is happening. Note that the waitlist can get really long. Like, 10,000 people long! However, if you’re looking for the most fun thing to do in NYC for foodies, snagging some Kora donuts has to be at the top of your to-do list.
What to Order
Each month comes with a new menu of five flavors, all vying for the title of the best donut in NYC. Past favorites have included things like mango and white chocolate, salted coconut and brown sugar and white chocolate orange.
Kora | Multiple Locations | $$
4. Don Paco Lopez Panaderia
In a city that’s a culinary melting pot, it should come as no surprise that you can find delicious donuts in all sorts of flavors and styles. Don Paco Lopez Panaderia offers a Mexican version of the best donuts in NYC. You can also purchase savory goodies here, such as tamales, for a well-rounded meal.
The Vibe
Brightly colored and bustling inside, there’s an eye-catching traditional Dia de los Muertos altar full of skulls and authentic décor. Other than that, it’s a casual spot for grab-and-go donuts in NYC.
What to Order
They have several types of donuts, but you can’t miss the fried, sugared donut that’s sliced in half and filled with creamy custard. Resembling a donut sandwich, it’s a unique entry on this list of the best donuts in NYC.
Don Paco Lopez Panaderia | Multiple Locations | $
5. Angelina Bakery
Enjoy high-end donuts that you’d find in Paris or Milan right at home in NYC. With recipes passed down over generations, Angelina Bakery has some of the best donuts in NYC that are loved by tourists and locals alike. Notably, if you’re looking for cute date ideas in NYC, stopping by this pretty bakery for some sweet treats is an excellent thing to do together.
The Vibe
Channeling a European café, you can order from a sleek display counter before taking your donuts out front to the adorable bistro tables.
What to Order
Order a classic bomboloni, filled with Nutella, custard or jam. You can even add a scoop of gelato! If you need more goodies, you can also purchase croissants, cakes and some other pastries.
Angelina Bakery | 1675 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 | $$
6. Little Flower Café
Head over to Queens for some of the best donuts in NYC at Little Flower Café. You can order a whole lot more than just donuts here, but their breakfast treats are second to none. Bursting with unique flavor, including donuts inspired by the owner’s Afghan heritage, everything in this café is also Halal.
The Vibe
Located right on the corner in a charming brick building, the inside is contrastingly modern and sleek, making use of natural materials like smooth wood paneling and stainless steel tables.
What to Order
Little Flower’s take on the Boston cream donut, stuffed with firni, a custard made with notes of traditional Afghan cardamom and rose water, is a must-try.
Little Flower Café | 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria, Queens, NY 11106 | $$
7. The Donut Pub
The Donut Pub first opened its doors in 1964 and has been slinging fresh donuts, croissants and cookies ever since. Everything on the menu is peanut and tree nut-free, making it very allergy-friendly. Stop by one of their two locations and see why it’s one of the best places for donuts in NYC!
The Vibe
Both locations have pretty different styles. The West Village shop is small and retro, perfect for to-go orders. The Astor Place location, on the other hand, has a sprawling marble counter lined with stools, inviting you to stay awhile.
What to Order
The maple bacon croissant donuts (or cronuts) are what they’re known for. However, if that doesn’t appeal, there are many other options, from old-fashioned to cruller or Oreo-topped chocolate cake donuts.
The Donut Pub | Multiple Locations | $$
8. Cloudy Donut Co.
Trying the treats served here is the best way to discover why the light-as-air breakfast pastries at Cloudy Donut Co. are listed among the best donuts in NYC. With over 40 flavors that rotate each week, you will never get sick of these fluffy donuts. This pâtisserie is also 100% plant-based, making this one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC for dessert.
The Vibe
Welcoming and calming, step on up to the sky blue counter to order your donuts, then walk over to the soft gray-washed wall to take a photo in front of their light-up logo.
What to Order
They’re known for brown butter chocolate donuts and apple pie cinnamon rolls, but check the menu for their latest flavor offering if you want to take home a baker's dozen of the best donuts in NYC.
Cloudy Donut Co. | 14 Columbia Pl., Brooklyn, NY 11201 | $
9. Super Nice Coffee and Bakery
No need to worry about stale donuts here as they continue to bake and fry fresh ones all day long. With locations all over the city, Super Nice Coffee and Bakery is always convenient to stop in for some of the best donuts in NYC.
The Vibe
If you go at peak time, expect a line at this local favorite spot. With a tiny but charming brick front and white-brick interior, there’s no room to sit and enjoy so plan to take your order to-go.
What to Order
Unique flavors like chile mango and strawberry lemonade set this spot for the best donuts in NYC apart. Not into more unique flavor combos? No problem! You can always find a mix of classics along with specialty flavors on the vast menu.
Super Nice Coffee and Bakery | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop
A staple for over 60 years, Peter Pan Donuts is family-owned and operated, serving a huge selection of handmade donuts for all to enjoy. The bakery has been passed down from father to son and the recipes have hardly changed since opening, making this one of the most renowned places for donuts in NYC.
The Vibe
Just like the recipes, the donut shop is simple and charmingly old-fashioned. Take a peek behind the counter at basket upon basket of freshly baked or fried donuts to make your selection. This place for the best donuts in NYC is beloved by many, so expect a bit of a wait. Also, bring cash, as this establishment doesn’t accept credit cards.
What to Order
The Bavarian cream donut comes with a generous portion of silky smooth custard and is a must-order. There’s also an extensive selection of yeast and cake donuts with flavors like honey dip, blueberry buttermilk and red velvet.
Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop | 727 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 | $
11. Moe’s Doughs
Long-known for its rivalry with Peter Pan Donuts, this Greenpoint donut shop popped up after Moe, a former employee of Peter Pan’s, went rogue. Moe’s Doughs serves up light, fluffy yeast donuts along with some other unique desserts.
The Vibe
You’re not here for the décor, you’re here for some of the best donuts in NYC. This simple space features a bit of indoor seating but most get their treats to-go.
What to Order
The colossal apple fritter is a fan favorite. The pistachio-filled and maple bacon donuts should also be tried.
Moe’s Doughs | 126 Nassue Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 | $
12. Supermoon Bakehouse
The only thing better than the marketing at Supermoon Bakehouse is the donuts! The neon hot pink “Bite Me NYC” sign will catch your eye, but the Asian-inspired donut selection will captivate your tastebuds and keep you coming back for more.
The Vibe
A soft pink exterior calls you into a neat and sleek interior. Let your eyes guide you as you peer into the massive glass cabinet housing some of the best donuts in NYC.
What to Order
Expect orb-like donuts stuffed with tropical fruit fillings like calamansi, yuzu and passionfruit. Take a dozen or more to-go in their signature shiny silver box. Large fluffy croissants and cronuts also can’t be missed.
Supermoon Bakehouse | 120 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
13. Doughnut Plant
Self-described “pioneers of the artisanal donut,” Doughnut Plant definitely has some of the best donuts in NYC. Founded in 1994 by Mark Isreal, it started out as a small operation, baking and selling donuts using his grandfather's recipes. They pride themselves on originality and high-quality ingredients, from their jam fillings to their sourdough starters.
The Vibe
Enjoy a neat, orderly display of donuts, including a large glass cabinet with printed notecards detailing the dough, topping and filling.
What to Order
The Brooklyn Blackout is death by chocolate in donut form. Sweet, but not overly so, with a dense base that’s almost like a cake. They also claim to have invented the square donut, so add one to your order. The seasonal concord grape jam stuffed donut is another great option.
Doughnut Plant | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Mike’s Donuts
A Bayridge staple since 1976, Mike’s Donuts is a must-visit for those on the search for the best donuts in NYC. Their doors open at 4 a.m. and the line is out the door by 5 a.m. Family-owned and operated, you can still find Mike and his wife behind the counter, now joined by their son, Gus.
The Vibe
Sit down at the malt-shop-style counter to enjoy the best donuts in NYC, plus a freshly brewed coffee, first thing in the morning. The shop itself is tiny and adorably old-fashioned, adding further to the charm.
What to Order
The massive sourdough crullers or frosted coconut-dusted donuts are sure to delight your tastebuds. However, you can’t really go wrong with any selection from their 35 delicious flavors.
Mike’s Donuts | 6822 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11220 | $
15. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
Mah-Ze-Dahr brings mystery and delight to the world of comforting donuts. Their specialty flavors and ingredients culminate from years of international travel, bringing unique flavors of the world to your back door.
The Vibe
Sleek and fancy, you’ll want to stay a while when you stop by to try the selection of the best donuts in NYC. Cool navy blue hues with clear glass displays of decadent baked goods and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee make you feel right at home.
What to Order
Each brioche donut comes dusted in sugar with a creamy vanilla filling and a donut hole on top. They also debuted a buttermilk glazed donut in 2017 that solidly competes for the title of the best donut in NYC.
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery | Multiple Locations | $$
You never know when the craving for a donut will strike! Luckily, no matter which borough you’re in, you’ve got lots of options. From old-school Italian stuffed donuts to new-wave-filled donuts bursting with tropical fruits or combined with croissant layers, you’re sure to find your favorite new bakery while checking out these 15 spots for the best donuts in NYC.
For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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