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BakerySmall-batch yeast and cake doughnutsWalk-in only
Sidecar Doughnuts in Del Mar is the Costa Mesa import in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, a small-batch doughnut counter rotating six monthly flavours plus six.
Worth the queueHuckleberry doughnut
TipThe huckleberry and the butter-and-salt are the recurring strengths; arrive by 9am for the full case.
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BakeryOversized custom doughnutsWalk-in only
Donut Bar in San Diego is the downtown A Street doughnut shop, the West Coast viral-doughnut shop with oversized creme brulee, croissant doughnuts.
Worth the queueBig Poppa Tart
TipOpen Wed-Sun only and they sell out by lunch; arrive at 8am for the full counter or pre-order online.
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BakeryOld-fashioned doughnuts and pastriesWalk-in only
VG Donut and Bakery in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is the Mettee family's third-generation Aberdeen Drive doughnut counter since 1969, a North County landmark.
Worth the queueGlazed yeast doughnut
TipDoughnuts are baked twice daily at 4am and 4pm; the afternoon batch is the secret tip.
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BakeryFrench pastries and cafe bistro
Tartine in Coronado is the long-running First Street European cafe and bistro on the Ferry Landing side, with patio seating, French pastries.
Worth the queueAlmond croissant
TipIndoor and patio seating; reservations recommended on weekends, the patio fills by 11am.
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BakeryWholesale artisan breads (Southern California-wide)
Sadie Rose Baking Company in San Diego is the Sorrento Valley wholesale artisan bakery since 2004, supplying hearth-baked breads to restaurants and grocers.
Worth the queueHearth-baked sourdough
TipFind their bread at Whole Foods and Bristol Farms in San Diego; or at restaurants citywide, often unbranded on the table.
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BakeryPastries and dessert cakesWalk-in only
Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego is Karen Krasne's Little Italy dessert salon on Union Street, a long-running pastry-and-cake shop with a James Beard.
Worth the queueViking chocolate cake
TipCake by the slice is the deepest value; the cafe also runs a savoury small-plate menu in the evenings.