This is not just a donut shop. This is a legacy. My husband grew up riding his bike all the way from Del Mar as a kid, risking life, limb, and probably traffic laws, just for a hot glazed chocolate donut. That kind of dedication tells you everything you need to know about these donuts. Decades later, our cousins drive them 3 hours to Los Angeles like precious cargo for the family to enjoy when they come to visit. A donut. 3 hours in a car. Still incredible. Some things are just built different. Our cousins are hero's! Only one complaint, they are not open late, which is truly a crime against everyone with late night munchies and poor decision making skills. The world needs VG Donuts at midnight. Someone please make this happen. We will be back. My husband's inner 10 year old on a bike absolutely demands it. read more

Food: 7/10 Service: 8/10 Ambiance: 6/10 Maybe I was expecting too much because my friends talked so highly of this place. It was ok haha Just a regular donut. I was excited for their maple, but it was wayyyyyy too sweet for me. But good service read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

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North County Donut Tour - Stop 3. VG's tall glass cases feature a wide selection of classic donut flavors, as well as cookie options. I went for the strawberry filled donut and acarrot cake cinnamon roll (intriguing concept). The best thing about these treats was the homemade taste of the glaze. Unfortunately the filling/topping ingredients weren't my favorite. The strawberry filling in the donut tasted artificial, as did the carrot cake components of the cinnamon roll (which was also dry). I had a bite of my comoanion's old fashioned, and it tasted moist with a pleasing glaze. Hit or miss experience here. read more

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My friend and I were walking around the area and decided to grab some donuts before hitting the beach. What a great spot! It's got that old-timey feel, with lots of retro treats. The service is really fast, so feel free to grab and go. My friend and I sat in the little patio area, which despite being right by the parking lot, was pretty nice. If you're looking for cookies and donuts, this is your place! read more

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We know this place for their great donuts so I thought why not try their birthday cakes! They have so many flavors and designs to choose from and they were able to prepare a cake within 24h. The lady that helped us was really nice and accommodating. Usually there is a line to get to the store but it moves quickly. There is parking in front of it but it can also get packed. Overall, cute little place with great atmosphere and many delicious options! read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Birthday cake - coastal theme - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

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I was in the area and was told that this place was quite good from a nearby shop. I ordered a PB cookie and an apple turnover! i took my items outside. I was enjoying them! The PB cookie was good and the apple turnover was quite delicious and flaky! So flaky, unfortunately, that I started choking on it! I went back into the bakery with my boxed goods and tried to find someone to help me out with a cup of water. The employee said that I would need to pay for bottled water and that she couldn't provide me with a cup of tap water. I said that I had been choking. Apparently, it didn't matter to her! What?! I've never heard of a place not providing a paid customer with some water when they are in need! I left and probably won't return because of this. For this reason, I'm giving them 3 stars. read more

Want donuts? This is the place to get them. They also have fabulous cakes and baked breads like banana bread or pumpkin bread, depending on the season. My family likes to go in and order a mix of donuts and cookies. Food is always fresh. The staff is always very helpful. I have ordered everything from birthday cakes to donuts for the holidays here. If you wanna make sure that they will have what you are looking for in stock for a larger order, I recommend pre-ordering the food. There is always a line, and only take credit cards if your order is more than $10. This is a family staple spot. The store is small in a little strip mall and very casual read more

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VG bakery does it again with their 2025 thanksgiving cookie spread. Obsessed! I will continue to return here for my seasonal cookie needs. Updating this review with new photos. I wish I could order ahead online. Sometimes the phone order experience is a bit clunky for big orders, but I guess it's sort of part of the charm too with VG being such a legacy local spot. read more

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The only bad thing about VG donuts is that it's three blocks away. I still love my other donut spots, but VG has something special and has a reputation of being the best. Very local and always great great donuts. The staff is sensational and really knows what's behind the donut shelf. The other thing that makes VG so great is their breads and treats that are just behind the donuts and no one ever looks, OK I do and The banana walnut and all the other types of breads and peppermint bark and peanut brittle are sensational and so fresh. If you're in this area, it's a must stop. read more

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Glazed Blueberry buttermilk donut and Apple Fritter were excellent. First time there but not the last!!

Lots of desserts!! Prices are very reasonable. They have outdoor seating and a small parking lot. The cake is pretty dense but tasty. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

A busy bakery located in Encinitas! I got a doughnut and a Oreo stuffed cookie! Amazing! Both slapped! This place is very busy.. they prefer cash! They have a huge selection of baked goods. They also sell various merchandise including T shirts! Along with homemade bread! If I'm ever in the area again I would for sure come back! If you're looking for a bakery in Encinitas check this place out! read more

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The treats are VERY GOOD at VG Donuts & Bakery! I love the gluten free pumpkin spice donut which has a creamy pumpkin spice frosting with a strong cinnamon flavor. There is a delightful pumpkin filling as a surprise in the center of the cupcake. For a gluten free cupcake, it is very soft without being gummy. Even my non-GF friends were going for this cupcake flavor. Can't wait to return to sample more treats since there seems to be a great variety no matter what kind of dessert you're craving. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - GF pumpkin spice cupcake - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

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We were asked by a friend to meet in this parking lot in order to go hikin,g but we arrived early, saw a big line and hopped in it. We had fun talking to our line neighbors, who were all out of towners and wanted a fix. We knew nothing about the place, but found it charming, with great service for a line that moved quickly. Old school, and cool. I liked the blueberry buttermilk the best. read more

My very favorite donut shop We came here multiple times during the summer when we had guests visiting. The donuts are fresh,flavorful and often warm if you are an early bird like me! Our favorites are the Cinnamon Rolls and the large crumb donuts I had stayed away from V.G.s for quite awhile as the kids are grown now and we don't have as much company. However, when my son came to visit recently, he asked to return to V.G.'s and it was MIGHTY TASTY. We enjoyed our donuts watching the waves at Moonlight Beach on a lovely morning. Always a line out the door during peak times. They also have other baked goods for purchase such as beautiful cakes, coffee cake, cookies & breads. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - YUM - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

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We were driving through San Diego, decided to stop and get some donuts. This is the second time I've been here and each time I've gone. I have absolutely loved everything that I've tried from here. The customer service is awesome. Everything is delicious fluffy and so flavorful so good very worth stopping each time I'm in that area. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Iconic, best donuts and where else do you get your smiley-face or Surfboard sugar cookies?? read more

Love that they open so early, I stopped by to grab a dozen donuts and a florentine. They have your typical yeast donuts as well as Old Fashions. The old fashioned itself had a great cake texture and wasn't overly sweet as it is covered in frosting but not doused. The yeast donuts themselves have a great texture. The florentine is sweet. What can you expect though when it is chocolate, hazelnuts and melted sugar? The overall atmosphere is friendly, although I wish the person helping me gave me more variety. I just asked for a dozen and let him choose as they were for my coworkers, after getting the box, I realized he gave me multiples of the same flavor and no sprinkle donuts. I'll take that as my own fault as I didn't give instructions for a mixed variety but I typically never had to at other donut stores. read more

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Stopped in for the first timer. I have never had raised donuts like these, so fresh and fluffy, like breaking open a pillow and all the fluff comes out-- but tastier. The coffee was decent, nothing special but they do have light, medium and dark roasts. I bought a big florentine to try later. The line can be long but goes fast. Service is quick and friendly. Parking lot onsite in the strip mall. A few tables outside only. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - florentine Cookie $1.75 - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

The best donuts in town. Consistent, delicious, always affordable! This place has been around since I was a kid and it's a local's favorite. There will usually be a line but it goes quick read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Classic VG cookies - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

This is an Encinitas stable. Open early mornings to kick off the day. They specialize in cakes, cookies, breads, and of course DOUGHNUTS! I have order a variety of things here since my first encounter. These are some of my favorites; Butterflake biscuits, chocolate bar, vanilla cake, and blueberry biscuits. It can get busy here with a line out the door. But fear not, they are friendly and efficient. Inside is jam packed and just enough room to order. They do have some outdoor seating with the ocean less than a mile away. Enjoy read more

Croissant was doughy and not airy. It was pretty mid. Nice staff though and a lot to choose from

NO MORE VGs!!!!!! Went there last week. A regular doughnut now cost $2.25. That is total BS you're being scammed. I don't know what happened to the ownership of this bakery. This is a joke. Been going there for 20 years. Labor costs have not gone up 150% food costs have not gone up 150% yet the price of your donut has in the last five years... I can go to Trader Joe's and buy six pack of their sour cream donuts, which taste as good as yours for $4.29 which is what I'll be doing from now on ... you should be ashamed of yourself for severely overcharging the public... read more

In town for a soccer tournament and I wanted to get my son and his buddies a treat. Since donuts are always a hit, I found VG on Yelp and made my way over on Sunday morning... Parking was tough as there was a farmers market happening that morning also and lots of streets blocked off, so I parked in a nearby lot. That was a mistake - I scored myself a $60 parking ticket during the 15 minutes I was there :( If you're reading this... DO NOT shopping center parking lot nearby! Other than the parking experience, the donuts, service and overall experience was positive. We did have to wait in line, but my son hung outside on the patio and the line I waited in went quickly. The lady next to me told me that she's been coming to VG since the 1970s! The woman who took my order was super friendly and helped me in picking out a dozen donuts (glazed, sugared, chocoloate frosted and maple). I noted the cash only policy ahead of time, so that wasn't a problem... and the boys demolished the donuts so quickly, that I was only able to score myself a bite! If you're looking for an old school donut shop with really great quality donuts, or holiday cookies or cakes, this is your place... It's VG indeed (Very Good)! read more

We were lucky to have VG's provide cakes for our daughter's wedding, and they were absolutely delicious! The guests were served white cake with lemon cream, and the couple's cake was marble cake with Oreo cookie crumble and chocolate Bavarian cream. Additional slices of the couple's cake were given out to the guests, and everyone loved both! VG's was super easy to work with, and we couldn't have been happier. As both my daughter and I grew up here, we knew we wanted to support our favorite bakery, and we're glad we did. Many thanks to the VG's bakers and staff! read more

This bakery is the best! Their doughnuts are always fresh and very tasty. My husband and I used to live in the San Diego area. Once a week he would stop to get doughnuts for the office. He would mention once in a while that he picked up doughnuts for the office but never told me how delicious their doughnuts were/are. We were in the area once after moving from the San Diego area. He asked me if I wanted to get doughnuts from the place he used to get for the office. Of course I said yes because I have a sweet tooth. Long story short, it was love at first bite. I did get after my husband for holding out on me. Shame on him! Whenever we're back in the area we stop to get our fix. Recently I was with my daughter in the area. I mentioned I wanted to stop to get doughnuts. She really wasn't too enthusiastic about getting doughnuts because she was trying to be good. Again, long story short, it was love at first bite for her. She ate three doughnuts in less than an hour as we drove up the 5 freeway to Orange County. She wanted to get more the next day but she remembered they weren't open on Mondays. Unfortunately she lives in another state and will have to wait to get her VG's fix. They normally have a line but it goes quickly because they always have plenty of enthusiastic employees happy to help you with your selection. read more

Tasty donuts! The staff was friendly and it was easy to order. They have specialty donuts and some normal ones too. Everything was delicious! The shop itself is clean and cozy. read more

VG's Donuts is a true staple of Cardiff and all of North County. Known for some of the best donuts and cakes in San Diego, it's no surprise there's always a line out the door on weekend mornings. The staff is consistently friendly and engaging, which makes every visit even better. read more

Love this places such a great selection of donuts and I got a free one for just asking to sample because i didn't know what to get. Ended up buying a pack of 12 read more

VG's used to be the bomb for years but lately seems like it's under new management because the quality is going down and the cost is going up. Had a party and decided to get a $50 carrot cake from VG's and all we ended up doing was making excuses for the cake, way too much frosting and we couldn't find even a piece of carrot A cake from Costco would've been a better choice . Management needs to take a look at itself and remember its roots of quality. read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Excessive frosting - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

I've been coming to this bakery since I was a little girl, and I can say that they genuinely have the best baked goods. I recently ordered custom speciality cookies for my boyfriend's 30th birthday as a surprise, and they came out even better than I could have imagined! They used a picture of his orange Supra as a reference (yes, that one orange Supra!). read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Custom car cookies - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

This is the most expensive donut shop. Could not believe the prices. I have been fore warned about this place by friends . Never again and will ensure to let my family and friends avoid this place. In addition, there is nothing special about their donuts read more

This is one of my happy places. Its by the beach and there's a thriftstore in the same little strip mall. The donuts are super as evidenced by the constant foot traffic and cars coming and going Its got a great vibe. My favorite is the orange glazed. They're all really good. They have more than donuts too. Enjoy! read more

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Our go to donut shop when we are camping at Cardiff! we have been coming here since our kids were little for 25 years and even longer for my husband since he lived up here when he went to college. Great selections donuts and pastries. Blueberry buttermilk bar is one of their specialties. They had a delicious cinnamon sweet roll,That was gooey and walnut encrusted.. They also have yummy pastries with cream cheese, and either Nutella, strawberries, or guava. they have a terrific Oreo cupcake or cake . They also serve coffee, hot chocolate, and milk. Service can be slow on the weekends, but is great during the week when it is less crowded. Ambience typical donut shop . read more

We ordered 3 donuts and they were fresh, warm & delicious! The donuts definitely hit Unfortunately, the customer service felt off & wasn't very friendly. The lady in front of us practically got her head bit off for asking for 2 dozen donuts and was told they couldn't take her order. Wasn't the best vibe in there. read more

Donut Series, Part 13 VG's on Valentine's. It just felt like the right time to give this special place in the heart of many San Diegans a chance to get to know each other better. Putting smiles on the faces of locals since 1969, we love how pillowy soft their donuts are, without the heartbreak of a greasy aftertaste, and light enough to make you interested in a second date. While we're not sure we're lovestruck just yet, we have to admit that we keep glancing at our phones to see if the feelings are mutual. C'mon and ring already, would 'ya!!!! And that's...Henry's Take. #valentinesatvgs read more

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My now husband is local to the area and so when we were looking for dessert options for our wedding, we looked into the donuts at VGs. He reached out to them initially via email and they shared with us their event dessert menu and pricing information, which worked perfectly for our budget. On a trip down there before the wedding, we were able to pick up a to go tasting box which helped confirm the selections we were already thinking about going with. It's very much a working bakery and there was no seating inside, but the other baked breads and such they had available caught my eye and I'd be interested in trying those out in the future. I think we had two calls with them between placing our deposit and our wedding, in which we talked about guest count, preferences and dietary restrictions, and how much to order. From what I was able to taste during the reception, everything was good, but the recommended quantity was unfortunately insufficient for our guests, as the dessert bar was gone as quickly as it'd opened up :( In hindsight, we should have used their max numbers, but we were really trying to not have a ton of leftovers since it would have been difficult to take them home with us. Other than that, we were really happy with the service and quality and would return. read more

We came close to closing so sadly the variety wasn't great but I can't blame them for that. They did have some interesting cookies and I enjoyed my crumb donut. My husband wanted a cake donut and they only had chocolate with icing. He was disappointed and I have to agree it was nothing special. read more

Amazing donut shop. Been here in Cardiff for years. Love the fast service! Everyone is super friendly. There about four little wire tables outside, the parking lot can get pretty full; there is parking across the street :) read more

VG Donut & Bakery - Donuts Near Me - Cardiff, California

Amazing bakery. I have always been for the donuts but they make extremely good cookies, cakes, and other products. I don't think there's another bakery I would recommend more. VG's is in a great spot super close to the beach, they have outstanding donuts and other menu items, and the staff is always active, friendly, and helpful. They have an outdoor section to enjoy outside which is always nice. Definitely give this place a try if you're in town and try as many things as you can. I'd recommend one of their chocolate bars "The Longjohn", a buttermilk bar, and a frosted decorated sugar cookie. Make sure to bring some cash if you spend less than $10, but you probably will because everything looks so great read more

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