Sesame Donuts

I tried this donut shop recently. The donuts were extremely sweet — honestly, some of the sweetest I’ve ever had. They looked nice, but the flavor was a bit too sugary for my taste. Overall, it was okay, but not something I’d go out of my way for again.

Sesame Donuts is incredible! With less than 24 hours’ notice, they came through with 20 dozen donuts for a staff appreciation event at my workplace. The order was ready on time, and the team even helped me load everything into my car. The donuts were a huge hit, everyone loved them! My only regret is not snagging a Boston cream for myself (the best flavor, hands down). Highly recommend!

OK, if there were a donut heaven--Sesame Donuts would be at the pearly gates! The vanilla cream donut is soft doughy ecstasy and sleek glaze twists/bowties are untouchable! The whole donut counter from top to bottom is sweet-heavenly tastes! Enjoyment eating these bad boys! Must visit if in San Diego short drive up the 15 North!

Thanks to one of our Japan Airlines Passengers we were blessed and fortunate to have these amazing donuts from Sesame! So thankful for Russell and his wife! We really appreciate how great they were! 🍩 🍩

Apple fritter was under cooked, not crunchy on the edges and very small compared to before, & also other places. Other donuts were grocery store standard.

UPDATE Dec 11th, 2021: I came back for the croissant, which was the item I liked last time...it was burnt to a crisp!! (See pic) I couldn't even eat it. Yuck. Original Dec 5th, 2021 review: Pros and Cons. Pros: The friendliest donut shop I have ever been in!! Staff are SO nice! Their croissant ham and cheese is amazing!🥐 Their donuts are dense/chewy, kind of in between a cake donut and a regular fluffy/airy donut. So, if you like a hearty donut, this is the place! Cons: Our donuts seemed to be cooked in oil that was a bit too old--donut frying oil has to be changed frequently & it seems we got the donuts that were made last. That can really ruin an otherwise great donut. Overall, I definitely recommend...just maybe arrive earlier to get the first batch of donuts.

Amazing donuts - seriously the best that I have ever had. More importantly, the detail toward customer service was outstanding. As I sat enjoying my donut, I got to listen in as a bit of new hire training was going on. I was completely blown away at the focus on the customer experience. Oddly Krispy Kreme open up shop across the parking lot six years ago in an effort to displace this decades old family run business. That is literally gross display of the worst that corporate America brings to our society. Shame on them. I am glad to report that Sesame Donuts 🍩 is better than any donut that I have ever had - including KK. I am only glad that I don't live too close - otherwise I would need larger clothes! Yum!

Hands down best spot for donuts. I know theres a Krispy Kreme in the area but trust me when I Sesame Donut surpasses KK in quality and service overall! Got a dozen of the available donuts on display. We also got one of the bacon and cheese croissants which you could get warmed up. My favorite (as hard as it was to choose because they're all so darn delicious) was the sesame donut! To top it off, they even give a few donut holes for free. They're all so light and filling and don't make you end up feeling all gross despite the fact that you may or may not have ate a dozen donuts 😂 The croissant was filled with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Overall a 400383737 out of 10. Definitely a must-visit if you're in San Diego and really craving some good donuts and other pastries.

So fluffy! My favorite is the sugar one because of the fluffiness. The seasonal pumpkin one is a delicious cake donut that is still pretty fluffy and enjoyable. Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, convenient hours. An easy pass-by before work. Coworkers happy :)

The donut shop surviving being right next to a mega chain donut shop. Any OG resident living in the area would point you to this place if you are looking for some donuts. We picked and chose from their wide variety of donuts and they did not disappoint. We went around 10am on a Saturday and the donuts were still soft and sweet, not dry or oily. They have a wide variety to choose from so there will be something to satisfy you. The staff were friendly and the two worked fast. It is a small shop but big enough for a quick pickup and go.

I had a craving for something sweet at 9pm and found this place was open 24-hours. Score!! I bought the Bavarian cream, Boston cream, and double chocolate cake. Everything was so good and not overly sweet. The filled donuts were so soft and fluffy, and the cake donut was really moist. I had one donut each day, and even on the 3rd day, the donut tasted fresh. There's a Krispy Kreme on the other side of the parking lot. Why would anyone go there when there's Sesame Donuts? Haha

Delicious glazed donut. Quick service. Cozy atmosphere and overall warm energy. AC just cool enough.

Excited to have seen a French Cruller! I was disappointed to find that it was super oily. I felt that maybe the oil was too cold when they fried it, causing it to soak up oil, giving it this texture that was soggy. There was oil left on my plate after eating it. I also had a sprinkle donut and that was done well. Wouldn't recommend the French Cruller from here.

Really quick service and delicious donut. Glazed is fairly simple but this one hit the spot. Melted in my mouth.

Great fresh pastries in a little shop across our hotel. The guy at the counter must've been new. We went for the first time a few days ago. And when I ordered each individual donut, he bagged each one. If you ordered 6 of the same it went in a box. Knowing we walked in with 4 people, it would've been easier to ask if we knew how many items we'd be ordering so he could save on bags, but, it comes with experience I suppose. The 3rd time we went I just asked for a box for about 6 pastries ahead of time. While waiting my turn there was a gentleman waiting for his change. He got back a 10 dollar bill and coins. The customer asked for change for his 10 and the counter help didn't understand. He thought the change was wrong. But the customer was just asking for smaller bills so he could leave the guy a tip... Suggestion 2: if you have a tip calljar out there, always give change back in small bills so they can leave you a tip! He's make some money as he was very polite In any case. Pastries were great. Portions are big. They have bacon and cheese croissants that are huge but it's mostly bread. Would be nice to have more of the filling inside Will go again

The sugar donuts are absolutely AMAZINGGGG here. It's the only donut I like on this earth. Sesame does them extra, extra fluffy. And each bite MELTS in my mouth. I came around 7pm at night and looked at the donut rack....and noticed that there were only 6 sugar donuts left!!! They must be pretty popular or ppl really wanted sugar that day. I highly suggest getting at least 1 sugar as one of your choices :) They were extremely fresh too! Had one for breakfast the next morning and it was STILL fluffy. Not the slightest bit of stale at all. Amazing donuts, I hope y'all grab a sugar donut like I said.

I thought I reviewed this treasured place years ago but it seems to have fallen off. No matter where we live, whether it's Ramona, Temecula or Escondido we come here when we want donuts because no other place compares. They always have a great selection and their donuts are the fluffiest. My favorite is the lemon-filled. They underwent a change in ownership recently and I was happy to see that somehow they made this place even better. They reorganized and now there's more seating and open. They have always been super friendly here and we love coming here.

Best donut shop in town! Just had the BEST experience at Sesame Donuts in Carmel Mountain! Got a dozen mixed donuts--huge, moist, beautiful decorated, and sooo delicious. Also picked up 3 ham & cheese croissants and my work crew thought they were in heaven Shoutout to Josselin for her super friendly and outstanding service If you're craving donuts, this is the spot. You won't be disappointed! - Happy customer, Laura S.

I used to love Sesame Donuts but they recently sold to new owners and the quality and difference is stark. I've gone back twice since the chance and the donuts now are no different than a grocery stores. Unfortunate to have lost such a gem.

Picked up a dozen donuts and it was quick and easy. They now have premade dozens made up for you to just grab and go!

I used to buy donuts for the office at Sesame Donuts when I worked in the area and I still stop by when getting donuts for parties or gatherings. The people that work at Sesame are so nice and accommodating to the different flavors I wanted to bring into the office. I love that you can buy donut holes here and that they are only $0.30 each! Won my business right there. Donut holes were a popular item in the office especially when people didn't want to grab a whole donut between meetings. Bonus for taking credit cards with no 3% surcharge to the customer. So they are winning my repeat business just for that. Also, Sesame is located right at the end of the shopping strip with 20 mins parking spots open in the front so it's easy to stop in, buy some donuts, and be on your way. There is limited seating but I haven't dined there yet. Overall, had positive experiences here and love that we have a small business with quality products to count on in the community.

Skip KrispyKreme ang get REALLY GOOD donuts. Ms. Ruby and her two daughters are awesome!

This is my second time coming to Sesame Donuts. This time we tried their filled donuts and donut holes and we were impressed. We tried donuts filled with Bavarian cream and strawberry. We preferred the Bavarian cream, it was delicious, not too sweet, and just perfect. The strawberry we thought was too sweet and tasted artificial. The donut holes were also really good and not dry. The service is hit and miss. The young guy who was there during the weekday was great. He was welcoming and friendly. The one who works on the weekends is not so friendly, so deducted one star for the service we received the first time we visited.

I would say these are the best donuts in town but honestly I feel these are the best donuts in general not just in our small little town. Sesame Donuts has been part of the fabric in PQ for as long as I can remember. The owners and staff are always so friendly and helpful and when you walk in and out you just can't help but smile. The donuts are always fresh and even late in the evening they are fresh and have a wide variety. You are welcomed as soon as you walk in and whomever is working the counter always makes you feel right at home. Shop is small but well laid out. Everything from the old fashioned to the apple fritters (in two different sizes by the way) are nothing short of amazing and super delicious. And they are way less expensive than the place in the same shopping center which do not taste anywhere near as good. Family owned and frankly nothing beats Sesame Donuts!

Amazing donuts, great service, cheap prices, and readily available! We went there at 8pm and they still had tons of options available!

Always great experience getting donuts from Sesame! Always fresh. Enjoy grabbing some on my way into work! My personal favorite is the maple bar! Always helpful and kind staff. Recommend a visit if in the area for your classic donuts!

Yum! Fantastic donuts and great service at a fair price. Will definitely be going back.

First time making a visit to this shop. I was craving for some donut holes & donuts. I originally would have went to Krispy Kreme but since it's overpriced and I wanted a more budget friendly donut, I saw this nearby. I came in with my significant other and saw that it was a local spot and the prices were very affordable. I like how it's very fresh and there's a variety to choose from. Although having it near Krispy Kreme is quite a competition. I ordered 6 donuts: Sugar/Glaze/Blueberry/Chocolate glazed with sprinkles/Cinnamon Roll/Boston Cream and 6 donut holes: Red Velvet/Powder/Blueberry. Everything was super tasty and it wasn't too sweet which is great to health. My favorite was the blueberry. It's refreshing and it melts into the mouth. Atmosphere itself is very quiet and the worker was nice. I'd definitely come back again!

Great for to go donut pick up! For work events we always go here. There is a very large selection, super fun festive holiday ones. Donuts are always super fresh and the staff is so nice and friendly and fast in the morning!

Wide variety to choose from and great small business with the friendliest service. We ordered a half dozen: 3 sprinkles donuts, Boston cream pie, Bavarian cream, and a plain glazed. Also ordered 12 donut holes. They had glazed, red velvet, chocolate, blueberry, and crumb. Everything was fresh and soft. So happy to see them thriving and busy. Service was quick even with a lot of people coming and going in the little space inside. Next time I'm here I'll be getting the ham and cheese croissant!

First time here and I don't know why it took me so long. My lazy a** needs to get out of the car and walk inside instead of trying to go to a drive thru everywhere. I have been craving donut holes. Glazed are my go to and I love they have a variety. I got red velvet and blueberry also. It's so amazing. Bought 2 dozen and that's not enough. I want to eat it all and not share with anyone. Will definitely be back for my donut cravings since I am so anti their donut rival in the same parking lot.

With their new ownership I noticed the glazed donuts have more icing and are sweeter. I liked the original recipe better as less sweet is what made them delicious. If they want to keep the customer base don't change the recipes.

I LOVE WORKING HERE My parents are my everything and all the support we get from people walking through our doors mean the world to me especially seeing how hard they work daily. Thank you for everyone always being so kind A guy came in and gave me a free jacket and my dad a mug I will forever be grateful.

These are best donuts! It is Family owned and so friendly! The apple fritters are my favorite!

I've been going Sesame Donuts for years, and since the change of ownership, donuts' texture and freshness are still the same, just as good as I remember. However, I gave 1 less star because the glaze frosting is now a lot sweeter. Please stick to the original recipe and I'll keep coming back. Thanks!

They are the best donuts and great selection. The price is so good you will want to buy a dozen. When you walk in they always have a smile on their faces. Enjoy

Now way these are number six in the U.S. these were average donuts if that. I took a bite and started laughing. Overpromised and under delivered.

The best donuts around. They really deserves the awards they got. Go here if you are needing donuts.

Amazing!! Excellent selection (without ordering ahead!!), excellent & fast service & super yummy donuts!! We got donuts & donut holes for my son's birthday & we were able to order the jumbo/king size donut as a walk in!! There was a great selection for the happy birthday donuts. We used the massive donut along with a regular donut on top (just for fun) for my son's birthday "cake" & he loved it!! His brother, me, & him combined couldn't finish the birthday donut!! Highly recommend!! I will come here next time I need donuts - no question. Ambience - your neighborhood donut shop & a great prices!

Loving this little donut shop! The prices are pretty good and the donuts are super fresh. I haven't had any that were too sweet. The Boston Crème is the way to go, as is cinnamon anything. They pack a lot of filling and don't disappoint flavor wise. I saw in pictures they sometimes have Pokémon donuts hut I didn't see any... maybe one day! It's odd to see people lined up for Krispy Kreme in the very same area that Sesame is quietly making fresh wonderful donuts that beat KK hands down... I try not to have too many donuts but now and then when I have guests (like this time) or just want a treat then Sesame is the place to scratch that donut itch!

This spot is one of the best donut spots in San Diego. From the outside it appears as your normal local donut shop however, if you come here you can tell it is a locals spot. The donuts texture is to die for and they have great options. The staff there is extremely friendly and the ambiance is cool as it has a couple of stools to sit on at the counter. I would recommend this spot.

Best donuts! Wonderful and friendly staff, super clean shop, inexpensive, very yummy donuts that weren't greasy! Can't wait to go back! :)

Great donuts! Super friendly people. The best part is they are right next to a Krispy Kreme that was empty! Go support this awesome place!!

One of my favorite donut spots in SD. It's also funny that they're located next to a Krispy Kreme. The texture of the donuts is like biting into a soft pillow. So good and I enjoy my donuts on the less sweeter side, so if that's your lane.. you need to come here. You're greeted immediately when you walk into the door and the person in front helping me was the loveliest person in the world. Their Bavarian cream is *chefs kiss* and I'll be coming back to try different ones. The price is very affordable as well!

What's not pictured is the bag of donut holes, which I thought was the best part of my visit. The hubby and I ordered two apple fritters, a sesame old fashioned, 2 filled, and donut holes. The apple fritters were delicious, not too big, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The sesame old fashioned was overrated, dry, not my thing. The donut holes though we're out of this world. The chocolate and blueberry holes were our favorite and I think I'd go for all chocolate. Would I make a special trip here since it's rated so highly on Yelp? No, but I swung by since I was in the area and wanted to see if the rating matched expectations in real time.

Was at Sesame Donuts not too long ago as I had a hankering for something sweet while I was in the area. Saw the reviews for Sesame Donuts and thought I'd swing by and check them out. Sesame Donut is located in a strip mall and near a large chain donut spot but I would rather support the local mom and pop type of shop. As I entered this little donut shop, I was greeted immediately by a very nice guy who was very helpful with any questions I had. They have a nice variety of regular donuts as well as a wide variety of donut holes. They are more of the cake type of donuts. I ordered a couple of dozen of their donut holes and their huge apple fritter I quickly noticed in the case! The donut holes and apple fritter was fresh, tasty, and reasonable in price! I couldn't wait to get home to surprise the kiddos to a sweet treat! Forget the well-known chain donut spot nearby and check out Sesame Donuts instead!

The donuts are so good!! Colombian Coffee Medium roast was a perfect pair. The ladies are working so hard this morning! Line all the way out the door!

Tastes like number 6. Feels like number 1 in our hearts. Krispy Kreme doesn't hold a candle to number 6.

Donuts are fresh and flavorful, but these types of traditional donuts are inferior to Donut Touch in Mira Mesa. Maple bar ($1.59): slight crisp, sweet, and light with a subtle buttermilk flavor. 8.5/10. The service was speedy with friendly chit-chat. On my way out, the owner thanked me for my business.

This is one of the top 100 donut spots in San Diego. I didn't realize it until I saw it on their window. Came here because I was craving for a donut, specifically a cronut but they were sold out. So, I opted out for the filled donut(s) instead. My intention was just one donut but ended up with half a dozen instead. I mean, can't go wrong buying half for just myself. Got every flavored that had fillings. No regrets! Strawberry jelly, berry jelly, chocolate, Bavarian, vanilla, and lemon. All were so delicious, fluffy, light and not overly sweet for my liking. I know sometimes these filled donuts can be extra sweet especially when they have the powdered sugar all over, but these were just right for my liking.

I go there to get 2 of my adult kids are Gluten Free and their donuts are perfect! They also have excellent normal donuts. We go weekly! Must give them a try!

This place is no big deal. I don't know why they say these donuts are great and that this place is a top donut shop on yelp. It's just like any other donut shop

Ethan the person working the register is AMAZING! So friendly and kind! The vibe of this place is a mom and pop style. The donuts are soo delicious.

By far this is my favorite donut shop. Donuts are bomb and I get everything and I like the ham & cheese croissants. Everyone is cool. I got pumped up I forgot my wallet at my office.

Once we walked in the door it smelt of delicious donuts! That's exactly what we got. This place is fairly small so we got our donuts to go. Service was good. We didn't get a chance to try a variety but will be back!

Great donuts, great service and the ambiance is perfect for a donut shop. Just what you want nothing else needed.

The donuts were amazing! Fresh and delicious, everyone loved them. Service was fast but not very friendly. Hardly a smile from the young man working the counter. It wasn't super busy and line of customers manageable. Didn't let the lack of customer service discount the delicious donuts.