Very unassuming from the outside. A donut shop with an edge once you walk in though. The dudes in here knew their stuff. I never visit a place and go get food at the same place more than once unless it's a MUST. And boy oh boy was this a must. The Apple Fritter, The Bernie, and the Salted Maple Cron't were the ultimate triple threat. The right amount of sweet and flaky...not too decadent...I am salivating as I write this. I am the Donut King, and I approve this message. read more

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I love places like this, with its hard-working people in a problematic location attempting to sell a superior product. We were in the area and decided to try them out, and I'm happy we did. The one thing I never liked about most donuts was the oily aftertaste you get. Donut Savant has figured it out, not to mention their unique flavors--another favorite spot of mine in Oakland. BB read more

Today was my first time stopping by donut savant. I stopped by around 12:00 p.m. -- an hour before they closed for the day, and all the cronuts were already sold out. My wife and I ordered a variety of their donuts to-go and we each had our favorites. My wife really enjoyed the creme brûlée donut: the top of the donut had the same type of brittle crust you'd find on a traditional creme brûlée and the cream inside was flavorful and light. I personally enjoyed the apple fritter. Great apple flavor, texture, and the donut did not leave an oily taste in my mouth. The staff member I interacted with in the store was super helpful and very friendly. Definitely stopping by again! read more

donut savant - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

Went on Wednesday at 12pm. No line. I went for the crème brûlée donut but they said they weren't serving it that day. I asked what days they have the crème brûlée donut and the guy said he couldn't say for sure but "usually" on Sundays. I got the crème filled donut for myself and a maple cronut for my mom - both were fantastic! The crème had flecks of vanilla bean and tasted custard like. My mom loved the maple. Looks like I'll just have to keep going to eat donuts until I get a day where they have the crème brûlée hahah. Dag nabbit! read more

The donuts are divine and delicious!!!!! My favorites are the chocolate frosted, the OMJ and the lemon drop. So tasty and affordable! The staff is friendly and I'm glad I had to wait in line! It was WORTH IT read more

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First off the only way you would know this place exist is either word of mouth or you googled donut places in oakland. This place is right in the middle of the hood. Dead center in the hood. It's like a bright light in the middle of darkness. I bought almost ever donut, I liked everyone of those donuts. You should probably run to this spot before they're not there anymore. They might be in my top 5 donut spot in oakland. Maybe read more

donut savant - Count is fire - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

Such decadent donuts full of delicious flavor. Highly recommend for any event. Not overly sweet. Lots of variety to choose from. read more

donut savant - a variety of pastries - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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I stopped by Friday around 7:15am and there was no line so come early! Only a limited number of people are allowed inside for safety precautions. There were some open street spots around the back of the store in the morning but I can see how parking would be difficult later in the day. I ordered some vanilla and maple cronuts and some SOS for my coworkers. They all loved it and loves this place! Didn't see any cronettes the day I was there so I had to get the cronuts instead. I wish they stayed in downtown because it would've been walking distance from my company but I'm willing to drive here whenever I'm craving a cronut because it's that good! read more

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Wow is the best way to describe this incredible "donut" joint... The donuts were moist and not to sweet. The quality of their ingredients "taste" for itself. Can't wait to come here again on return visit... Beyond highly recommend read more

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One of the better donut shops I have tried in the Bay Area. I didn't get to personally go there but had my son pick-up an assortment for me so I can't speak to the customer service nor do I pictures of the menu or the shop. However I have pictures of the donuts I ordered some of the cake donuts, cronuts and the raised donuts. I liked the raised donuts the best, the cronut and then the cake donuts. I like the small size of the donuts which allows me to try several different donuts without stuffing myself. I ordered a maple, a chocolate and a glazed raised donut. The glazed donuts were more dense than a Krispy Kreme donut, it had a slight chewy fluffy texture that gave it a great taste. It had the right amount of glaze so it wasn't too sweet. The cronut was also a little more dense but a very good dough. I liked the cake donuts but it leaned more towards a drier texture but was good. Buy the assortment box your first trip there so you can decide what you like best. I'll visit the shop in person next time to experience the shop atmosphere along with some very good donuts (glazed and cronuts). For a different donut experience, swing by this shop; you won't be disappointed. read more

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I'm not beyond paying the prices for these donuts, but I didn't think they were all that great and certainly not worth what they're charging for them. I did get a pretty good cappuccino however and would come back for that. read more

We got some donuts for a work meeting. The donuts where small and cute. Perfect size if you just want a small treat. read more

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So I've been meaning to come here for months and FINALLY made it here this past Saturday. In a nutshell-come here! I pulled into this cute neighborhood around 10:30 in the morning (reading the reviews about it being run down...it's just well loved folks! Welcome to East Oakland) and joined the short line. Strolling in I was impressed by how many options they still had. One of the employees immediately acknowledged me and asked if he could get drinks started for me while I waited to get donuts. When it came my turn to order, he asked what I wanted. "Um...one of everything please?! " was met by a nod of approval. I brought these donuts to a party and was met with all the oohs and aws. Also the donuts are delicious which should be the most important part right?! Come get your donuts folks and donut forget to thank me for it hehe read more

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tl;dr get the salted caramel maple cronut or the fritter. No cash, no sitting. Service is fine. Don't waste $3.75 on "normal" flavors (chocolate, sugar, etc...). The salted caramel maple is unparalleled. You can get this on your preferred shape, but it's a standout in the cronut. If you're a maple lover, this is the mountain top. Also, the apple fritters are GREAT, and you can eat 3 of them without even eating as much as 1 classic fritter (win). Aside from that, these are good donuts, but none of the flavors knock me away (or at least significantly punch above a "classic" donut). Don't come at opening if you want "special" donuts. Not all the options are ready, so you might miss out on some of the more unique items. However, all the classics are on display right at 7. Per the above, get the SCM cronut. Service is prompt but won't win any awards for customer service. I had to ask about the top row of missing donuts to learn that what I wanted was 5 minutes out. The shop is clean, COVID clean! They won't even let you sit! Folks, get rid of the chairs if you're not going to let patrons sit. I had to stand around for 10 minutes waiting for the extra donuts, and there were 3 empty chairs all with "no sitting please" signs. Lastly, this is probably a joint problem between DS and Oakland, but no cash. I get the vibe that this is a cleanliness issue for the owners due to "no sitting" signs and the plexi shields blocking the staff from the customers. read more

donut savant - On display: 3 COVID-era chairs - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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Finally got myself to this spot as a reward for a 3 day consecutive trip to the injection clinic. This place formerly housed a coffeeshop. If you haven't grown up in Oakland, the location may put you off and gentrification around this area isn't gonna be easy. There is a limit of 6 people of a time and that's fine because it's a small space. There are 4 glass cases and a clean and clear menu board. The donuts are clearly labeled and once the donuts are sold out they are sold out. I came here mainly for the cronuts which are square shaped. If you are a diabetic or watching your wait, this is not the place for you. If you are trying to give your dentist some extra work this is definitely the place for you. Rich buttery, jam or custard filled, or just rolled in sugar is theme. I settled on 6. These consisted of cronuts, big and small size and jam and custard filled. Sadly my guy is unable to have sugar, or any unhealthy for while so these were all mine. I found the prices reasonable for being trendy and will return. read more

donut savant - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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Great croissant donuts! I also really liked the crème brûlée donut. The dark chocolate glaze is not overly sweet. read more

donut savant - Assorted - crème brûlée in top left - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

Everything offered here is great and CONSISTENT. it's a nice community staple that adds a little color to a Saturday morning.

Love this spot. Donuts are . The folks who work there are always gracious. Sometimes I just wish they offered delivery but grateful for whenever I can get a hold of their delicious donuts! read more

I miss working in downtown Oakland and being able to trek up Broadway to their location near my optometrist a Oakland Vision Center. That said, their move to this current location has not stopped me from visiting. When I was pregnant, I regularly sent my husband to donut savant to pick up their Boston cream (no less than two for me) and other donuts. I'm not sure what kind of chocolate they use, but it is dense and rich and delicious. I remember the sadness... the SADNESS the one time we came close to closing and they had sold out. Though it isn't the same, I was pacified by their chocolate frosted cronette and chocolate frosted bar. For our baby shower last year, we got an assortment of their cake donuts and they were a huge hit. While it would be convenient if they delivered, even for a fee, I respect that they don't offer delivery. Service is definitely not the same as the kind you'd get at your neighborhood pink donut box shop. Expect model like blank looks ahead, low tones, etc. It isn't unfriendly, it's just different. With a small shop space, it's get in, get out efficiency and that's definitely got a place at times. read more

Most delicious donuts everrrrr!! Way better than the more famous branded ones. My first time here and it didn't disappoint. Every single donut I ordered was soooo delicious... now I need to do some cardio lols The one who took my order was also nice and handsome.. Will definitely be back! read more

donut savant - Ordered these super delicious donuts... they're sooooo delicious!!! Best donuts ever!! - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

Fantastic donut and coffee, friendly efficient service and no line. My main complaint is that there's nowhere to sit, neither inside nor outside. Other minor complaint is that they have sort of a narrow selection - mostly things with cream filling, chocolate, or lemon. Will definitely go back and try the cronut because I've never had one before. read more

I've long wanted to sample Donut Savant's offerings but have never been lucky enough to find them open when I've been in the area. That changed recently when I decided that what my day desperately needed was a pre-pilates donut stop. (Incongruous to some, perhaps, but perfectly sensical to me -- I love spending my workout imagining what I'll eat afterward.) I love Donut Savant's treat-sized offerings. I always want one of everything, and here I was nearly able to do that. The cinnamon roll and apple fritter were my faves, but there wasn't a donut in the box I wouldn't happily eat again! If you want to cheer someone up, or make sure they feel loved come here and get your person a box of these donuts. They're so pretty and tasty and bound to conjure a smile for any recipient. read more

This doughnut, place has some of the most unique doughnut shapes but as far as the taste goes, all of them were fire and the customer service was oh so wonderful read more

Do not pass up a good donut! You see what I did there ? Punny. Also, it's actually spelled Doughnut as my 6th grade teacher corrected me (shout out to Mrs McClaren!) Ok enough of that... Donut Savant seems to be thriving in their new location with more delicious flavors added to their repertoire. Donuts to Cronuts - all good Especially enjoyed the Crème Brûlée donut. Get there and get you some of that! read more

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These are the best donuts. Flavors are consistent, staff are friendly and helpful and it's a cool little neighborhood atmosphere. Cream brulee donut is my favorite right now. A bit pricy but worth the treat. Bring your plastic because the don't handle money. read more

These donuts are delicious!! A local in line suggested a few I wouldn't have otherwise tried including the o.m.j., the lemon, and the Apple fritter... and these ended up being our favorites!! Everything we tried was delicious, the cronuts, the cream filled maple, and the minis. We will definitely go back when we are in the area! The iced coffee was reasonably priced and hit the spot too. read more

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So I was in San Antonio, TX a few years back and I had a military friend from VA that always wanted to stop by a Krispy Kreme on the weekends. Why??? He told me they didn't have one where he was from and he was hooked! I had to pause and reflect back to a time when there were no Krispy Kreme donut stores around here in the Bay Area. I then remembered how excited I was when they first opened a Dunkin Donuts in Half Moon Bay! I felt bad for being spoiled brat Donut Savant is in a new location in Oakland and were previously located in downtown Oakland. Very clean, organized, and bright store. Friendly staff. The store has whiffs of coffee and fresh donuts!It had been years since I've had their donuts and they are still as delicious as the first time I stepped into their shop! Reasonable prices and high quality ingredients used. Grab a donut or two with some coffee for breakfast or snack! read more

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LOOOVVEEE this donut shop in the east! Parking is rough and the lines are long (thanks to tik tok) lol Their donuts are made fresh and you can tell. Super soft and not too sweet. The custard fillings were my favorite. The cronette's are a one biter. The cold brew was a great start to my morning! Subbed oat milk. Pretty strong cold brew like I like it. read more

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No matter what, they are kind. No matter what, they are courteous. The donuts are always delicious and artistic. Sterling will read you to filth in the most loving way and make you spend all your hard earned cash on donuts. Then, you will thank him. Then, you'll want to get to know the rest of the donut dealers. Then, you'll bring your friends for a donut experience. read more

donut savant - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

I really can't comprehend how donuts could be better than the consistent offerings of Donut Savant. I go here all the time; running there makes the trip count as exercise, right? What do I get: The OMG, Little Yellow and the best damn Bear Claw ever. Those are my "must haves" and I usually get a couple more too. They've got great coffee too. I only wish they were open on Mondays so I could have some happy nomnom to start the work week, but I get it. read more

Wowwwww saw story about Donut Savant in Chronicle this past week and it talked about their amazing Cronuts- with special callout for the glazed salted maple. We drove 30 mins from Pleasanton and it was 100% worth every mile! We got 2 cronuts -sugar and salted maple, YUMMY!! We also got two yeast-filled, one jelly and one custard. Both fresh and delicious. The maple tastes like real maple syrup, the salt is just a lovely hint, the custard smooth and the jelly tastes like homemade! We will definitely be back! read more

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Donur Savant used to be my favorite donut place to stop by when it was in Downtown Oakland. Working at Tierra Mia, I would stop by for their amazing cronuts to pair with my coffee. read more

The Donut Savant is in fact a savant of these cronuts!!!!!!!! I love all things donut related so I had to try these and now I'm made I don't have any left. I think my favorite is the one with jam in the middle and the best thing is the cron"ts come in mini sizes of all the flavors! I even tried one of the lemon ones and was in heaven. Light cake, soft as a cloud powdered sugar and sweet and tangy lemon goo in the middle. I'm drooling just thinking about it. I will definitely be back. I went on a Friday morning at 7am and didn't have to wait to long. I can imagine a little later the line gets long, but you can always pre-order if you know what you want. read more

donut savant - Street signs out front - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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Some of the best tasting donuts that I have ever had. The only problems is that this is in a very questionable neighborhood that my mom refused to get out of her car. It was hard to find parking. I enjoyed the donuts and this feels like the gold standard of how all donuts should taste. I enjoyed the donuts immensely and hope for an expansion store in placer county. read more

This was a delightfully surprising donut place, by that I mean all the thing I ended up really liking were the things I didn't expect. Cream filled donuts are usually a hit or a miss for me and theirs were a hit. The Bernie is so delicious. The vanilla pastry cream is so the perfect amount of sweetness and just so good. The cake donuts were crunchy and soft. The dark chocolate covered one was my favorite. The Sean Pecan-ary was perfection, literally the a delicious moist little cinnamon roll. Truly the perfect size for a little treat. The cron't was also very soft and fluffy. I had the caramel one and it was very good. It's not as light as other cronuts I've had but still very good. We got our donuts around 11:50 am and they didn't feel warm. That's my only complaint. I feel like if the cron't was kept warm it would be fantastic! read more

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I've been craving donuts since the pandemic hit - and no, not the dollar kind you can get at a mom and pop donut shop (those are good too) but the super bougie kind I used to get from Mr. Holmes in the city that cost an arm and a leg. After scouring Yelp for "fancy donuts" I came across this gem and made it a point to drive there before it closed. When I got there, the huge line out the door was kinda daunting but I was committed. By the time I got to the window where I could see inside, they had 1-2 raised donuts left and my anxiety kicked into full gear. When I did finally get inside, they had brought out new trays of fresh donuts along with fresh selection of cronuts and I feel like this was all a psychological ploy to get me to buy as much as humanly possible because of FOMO. (But yeah, for those who are concerned they'd have nothing left if you don't get there by 8am, don't worry, they're constantly baking and bringing out more, it just might not be the full selection) I ended up with $40 worth of donuts. It seems expensive, but I'd gladly fork over $3 for these donuts any day. The Jane dough is my favorite but that's because I'm partial to sugar donuts. (The last time I went they didn't have those and I was sad). The bernie is okay... not my favorite. The salty maple is too sweet for me. The Boston cream is the boyfriend's favorite. I've never got a chance to try the jam filled ones, but I got to try the jam topped cronut and that was really good and I dont even like jam. read more

donut savant - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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Absolutely my favorite donut shop in the Bay Area and one of the best ever! Their donuts are all super delicious. Sooooo glad they reopened!! The parking in the new location can be difficult since it's more residential and not a lot of parking available. The salted maple is divine and I love their croissant donuts - I'd say they rival the original cronut! They have a good selection and their prices are actually very reasonable especially for gourmet donuts! read more

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These truly are as good as the reviews say! I'm in love with donuts(fortunately/unfortunately), . These just stand out! I've tried many many many donuts in the Bay Area, and these are my number one pick(my second would be mochi donuts). Reasons why I love savant donuts: - This sounds very ironic, but they're not excruciatingly sweet. Many donuts are so sweet, one and you're done! These? Oh I can down multiples at once, and every single one is mouthwatering. - speaking of mouthwatering, every flavor is soooo good. The lemon custard, tart but subtle sweetness, full of lemon zest! The custard? Soooo creamy, but not too dense! - Their flavors change, and I love it! - Variety? Oh yes, I have such a hard time deciding, I end up buying more that I intend to, every time! - Not really a donut person? Not sure which flavor to choose? Don't worry, they make minis, so you can try all of them! Reasons why I don't love savant donuts: - The line. Yup, there's a line, and you better line up early because they sell out fast. Honestly, savant donut has another customer hooked. Hands down, the best donut shop in the Bay Area. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. read more

donut savant - Donuts Near Me - Oakland, California

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When I was growing up in this neighborhood, there used to be a corner doughnut shop that my family was obsessed with.  But it went away a long time ago.  Now that I have moved away, Donut Savant opened up and I can't get enough.  It's great that I can drive right up and get free street parking. Even though only two groups of customers are allowed in the shop at a time, the line moves pretty quickly.  The shop is clean and inviting.  Staff is very friendly and efficient. Every donut/cronut on the menu is not always available but somehow it always works out.  My last visit I had my heart set on any custard filled donut in stock, but there was not one at all, to my dismay.  I was shocked and didn't know what to do so I pivoted to the apple fritters and the maple pecan cake. While the apple fritters were nice and moist, OMG, the maple pecan was absolutely divine. It was a perfect combination of textures and had just enough maple sweetness without being over the top. The other one I like is the Bernie which is custard filled. Their cronuts are a little too dense for my taste but I definitely would not turn one away.  I just prefer the filled donuts because they are lighter and have more going on.  If you like iced coffee, you should try the iced NOLA, too. read more

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My heart was broken when Donut Savant closed near my workplace in downtown Oakland. A baker's dozen of assorted minis were the key to elevating the most dreaded work meeting or brightening my coworkers' and my days. The inner donut addict in me rejoiced when I found out they had reopened in East Oakland. I was already dreaming of biting into the salted caramel cronut and buttermilk vanilla glazed donut. This is already my 2nd time visiting within a few weeks. The first time I arrived close to closing and cleaned them out of whatever they had on hand at the moment - their pb & j, salted maple and vanilla mini cronuts, glazed donut were so tasty they melted in my mouth. Just bought 3 dozen of the minis baker's choice for my friends and got a customized box with my favorites salted maple and vanilla cronettes and buttermilk donuts. I already ate half of my box and it was scrumptious as usual. So elated you're back Donut Savant!! You already have so much love no matter where you move to. Please don't leave us again! :) read more

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