The Best Donuts in Toronto

The best donuts in Toronto are truly a wondrous thing and quite honestly if there is any doubt that Toronto has come into its own as a foodie town, the seemingly endless and inventive takes on such a common item should put that doubt to rest.

Now, when one mentions the word donut (or doughnut) to me, nostalgic memories of visiting Robin's Donuts and having Robin's Eggs innumerable times while growing up in Winnipeg come to mind. The almost zen-like state I would enter before each first bite (when I didn't even know what the hell "zen" was), is seldom replicated. A good donut is like curling up on a couch on a cold winter's night with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate with multi-coloured marshmallows and a new comic book - it's as peaceful as it gets.

The truly remarkable thing that's happening with donuts in Toronto is that this simple idea is being stretched, tweaked, improved, and upscaled - but it's being done without pretension and with that glorious sense of pure, happy contentment intact.

Here are 10 places to find some of the best donuts in Toronto.

Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder

While some might argue that a beignet is not a donut, it’s deep fried flour-ishness and that’s good enough for me - especially when they taste this incredible. Packed 4 in an order and impossibly light, these little delicacies are filled with a touch of dulce de leche and topped with powdered sugar. Also only available on the weekends, they’re sometimes gone within an hour of opening so get there fast. More »

Delux

Introduced to the menu about a year ago, the popularity of Delux’s donut balls has surprised even them with 100’s flying out the kitchen every week. Extra large and extra crispy on the outside with a soft vanilla inside, they’re accompanied by an enchanting Chantilly creme and a caramel sauce. Cleverly presented and paired with some of the best espresso I’ve had in Toronto, these are a direct line to Nirvana. More »

Little Nicky's Coffee

Named after owner Renee Bonise’s chihuahua, Little Nicky’s is an adorable cafe that’s gained quite a following in the short 4 months it has been open. Playing on the fun and nostalgia factor of mini-donut purveyors at fairs throughout North America, her freshly made mini donuts hit the mark in every way. No wonder she’s churning out thousands a week! Coming soon – different flavours of dough and preserves for dipping! More »

Venezia Bakery

A survivor of the Ossington invasion, Venezia keeps doing what it’s been doing for a very long time – making fine staples the old fashioned way and their donuts are no exception. Absolutely enormous, fluffy and available sugar dusted, chocolate covered, with sprinkles or without, these are the type of donuts that just make you smile. More »

Benna's Bakery & Deli

In competition with Granowska’s up the street, this Roncesvalles stalwart hides the big donuts way in the back, but they’re worth the hunt. Plum filled or chocolate covered with custard creme, they’ll satisfy anyone’s craving for an instant sugar fix. Grab a dozen and your friends at the office will love you all the more. More »

Epi Breads

The incredible smell should be the first thing to hit you upon entering a good bakery and Epi delivers. Only available Friday to Sunday, these jumbo jambusters come in two kinds - raspberry jam or pastry cream and are covered in sugar. Be careful though, these give a wicked high and are stuffed with so much filling that napkins are a must. More »

Petite Thuet

Available at all the Petite Thuet outlets that seem to be popping up everywhere, these huge, super fluffy donuts are just plain fun. In fact, they look so good that one almost doesn’t want to eat them, but that would be sacrilegious as they taste as good as they look. Grab a bunch, hand them out on the street and you will have an instant group of new friends. More »

L'Espresso Bar Mercurio

Made by hand each Saturday and Sunday by owner Teresa Mercurio’s mom, each donut is unique and sinfully good. Round with a hole in the middle and covered in sugar it’s one of the few traditional cake donuts on this list and a welcome reminder that oftentimes simple is still best. Totally worth a visit and the possible wait as this place is always busy, justifiably so! More »