Best Doughnuts in San Mateo Area 2025 Winners

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Top Doughnut Shops in the San Mateo Area

The Best of San Mateo contest proudly spotlights the doughnut shops that locals can’t resist—voted by the community for their irresistible glazes, creative flavors, and freshly made goodness. Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed rings, jam-filled delights, or trendy artisanal creations, these top-rated spots serve up the best doughnuts in town. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day pick-me-up—these are San Mateo’s favorite places to grab a dozen (or two).

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  • 2025 Winner:
    Best Doughnuts

    Cruel Donuts

    Cruel Donuts in San Mateo is known for its inventive, small-batch donuts in unique flavors like crème brûlée, ube mochi, and guava. Founded by Lean Ma, the shop blends family tradition with creativity and community values. Their rotating weekend mochi donut specials and seasonal offerings keep regulars coming back. With house-made ice cream and an inclusive vibe, Cruel Donuts delivers a sweet experience that's both playful and welcoming.

    35 Laurie Meadows Dr
    San Mateo, California 94403
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Doughnuts

    The Original Royal Donut

    Royal Donut Cafe, located at 1165 Broadway in Burlingame, is a beloved local eatery renowned for its hearty breakfasts, fresh donuts, and welcoming atmosphere. Serving the community for decades, this family-owned diner offers generous portions of classic American breakfast and lunch dishes. Customers praise the friendly service and consistent quality, with one Yelp reviewer noting, "Service is friendly and quick. Food is cooked to your liking and it's delicious!”

    1090 North Ln
    Burlingame, California 94010
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Doughnuts

    Royal Donut Cafe

    Royal Donut Cafe, located at 1165 Broadway in Burlingame, is a cherished local eatery known for its hearty breakfasts, fresh donuts, and welcoming atmosphere. Recently expanded to accommodate more guests, the cafe offers favorites like country fried steak & eggs, fluffy scrambles, and light, airy donuts. Customers praise the friendly service and generous portions. One Yelp reviewer notes, "Service is friendly and quick. Food is cooked to your liking and it's delicious!”

    1165 Broadway
    Burlingame, California 94010
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Doughnuts

    Apple Fritter

    Opened in December 2014, Apple Fritter in San Mateo offers a diverse menu ranging from simple breakfast plates to unique offerings like donut burgers and churro French toasts. As a locally owned and operated small business, it takes pride in its commitment to quality and community. Customers commend the great service, reasonable prices, and cozy ambiance.

    1901 S Norfolk St
    San Mateo, California 94403
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Doughnuts

    Chuck’s Donuts

    San Carlos Chuck's Donuts, located at 495 Old County Rd, is a cherished family-owned establishment serving the community since the early 1980s. Renowned for their freshly made donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and fire-grilled burgers, they offer a variety of treats including maple bacon donuts and cronuts. Customers praise the friendly service and high-quality offerings. One Yelp reviewer notes, "The donuts are light and fluffy, like eating a cloud!”

    641 Ralston Ave
    Belmont, California 94002

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Fresh Doughnuts, Gourmet Glazes & Local Favorites in San Mateo

The San Mateo Area’s doughnut scene is packed with flavor and creativity. Whether you prefer traditional cake doughnuts or over-the-top gourmet toppings, these Best of San Mateo winners deliver melt-in-your-mouth magic daily. Voted by locals for their consistency, originality, and taste, these doughnut shops are sweet staples in the community.

 

🍩

Classic Doughnuts Done Right

 

You’ll find timeless favorites baked (or fried) to perfection, including:

 

  • Glazed, chocolate, and maple bars

  • Old-fashioned cake doughnuts

  • Boston cream and jelly-filled

  • Crullers, twists, and powdered rings

 

 

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Creative Flavors & Gourmet Toppings

 

For the adventurous doughnut lover, San Mateo’s best shops offer:

 

  • Bacon maple bars, matcha-glazed rings, or fruity pebble toppings

  • Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or peppermint mocha

  • Filled doughnuts with custard, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam

  • Vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free specialty options

 

 

☕

Pair With Coffee or Tea

 

Many of these shops also serve:

 

  • Locally roasted coffee and espresso

  • Chai lattes, matcha, and cold brews

  • Specialty drinks and seasonal beverages

  • Donut-and-coffee combos or breakfast bundles

 

 

🎁

Takeout, Custom Orders & Catering

 

Perfect for parties, meetings, or celebrations, top doughnut shops offer:

 

  • Pre-orders for large boxes and custom assortments

  • Donut towers and trays for events or weddings

  • Holiday-themed and made-to-order doughnuts

  • Gift cards and branded swag for loyal fans

 

 

🧼

Fresh Daily & Family-Owned Favorites

 

Locals voted these shops the best for more than just flavor—they’re also known for:

 

  • Doughnuts made fresh every morning

  • Friendly staff and quick service

  • Affordable prices and generous portions

  • Cozy, nostalgic, or modern atmospheres

 

 

 

Explore the Best Doughnut Shops in the San Mateo Area, as chosen by the community in the Best of San Mateocontest—and treat yourself to the fluffiest, sweetest, and most creative confections in town.