Primo's Donuts

"Ask anyone from West LA where to get the best classic doughnuts, and they’ll tell you Primo’s. And they would be correct. This tiny spot on Sawtelle opened in the 1950s, and has been selling out their famous buttermilk bar by early afternoon ever since. They offer a few different varieties, but our favorite is the cinnamon-dusted one, which tastes like a fresh churro laced with tangy sour cream. Call ahead and they’ll usually set one aside for you. Otherwise, their cinnamon rolls and cake donuts are still worth the drive. " - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins

"Ask anyone from West LA where to get the best classic doughnuts, and they’ll tell you Primo’s. This tiny spot on Sawtelle has been open since the 1950s, and yet the freshly baked options in their glass case are still selling out by the early afternoon. Primo’s is known for their crispy old-fashioned buttermilk donut, which tastes like a cinnamon-dusted biscuit that’s got a thing for churned cream. Call ahead and they’ll usually set a few aside for you. Otherwise, their cinnamon rolls and cake donuts are still worth the drive." - Nikko Duren

"For 68 years, this family-operated shop continues to feed generations of doughnut lovers. Be sure to get the specialty buttermilk bar when selecting a dozen." - Mona Holmes, Eater Staff

"For 67 years, this family-operated shop continues to feed generations of doughnut lovers. Be sure to get the specialty buttermilk bar when selecting a dozen." - Mona Holmes, Eater Staff

"Ralph Primo, co-founder of West LA’s popular Primo’s Donuts, died peacefully in his sleep on November 9, 2023, at age 93, according to the shop’s Instagram. Ralph Primo and his wife Celia first opened the Sawtelle Boulevard doughnut shop in 1956, offering an array of colorful yeast and cake doughnuts at reasonable prices." - Matthew Kang