Cancel

Open app

Search

Primo's Donuts

4.3 (754 reviews)
ModerateDonuts, Bakeries
Open 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Primo's Donuts Takeout or Delivery

Primo's Donuts Photos

Business Info

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Primo's Donuts

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Glazed Buttermilk Donut
Austin B.

tl;dr the selection of traditional, good-not-great donuts will satisfy, but the donuts do not live up to the sky-high hype Primo's Donuts has been a Los Angeles donut heavyweight for more than half a century. Ralph Primo bought his Sawtelle donut shop on an impulse in 1956, and, over time, he developed a loyal following for its Glazed Buttermilk and cinnamon-laced Butterfly. Nowadays, Primo's is routinely featured in best-of-LA lists, and it has even been ranked among America's best donuteries by Food & Wine magazine and Thrillist. Blink and you'll miss the slate-grey storefront on an industrial block of Sawtelle. The tiny shop feels well-worn. The fluorescent lighting fixtures cast an off-white glow on the posterboard walls and laminate floors. The diminutive donut counter to the right has an unlit glass donut display with stainless-steel trays of mismatched donut varieties. Extra-short stools are bolted in beside two tiny tables to the left. Public radio plays around the space. My partner and I visited on a late Sunday morning, and we were immediately surprised by the limited selection (absolutely no varieties of raised rings were left). The friendly staff member pointed us toward Primo's top 2 selling options: the Glazed Buttermilk and the Butterfly. The buttermilk bar was heavy and dense, sporting a spot-on buttermilk-y flavor; nonetheless, I found myself wanting a larger surface area (e.g., more grooves) to improve the glaze-to-cake ratio. Meanwhile, the bready, softball-sized Butterfly had a mouthwatering texture and uniquely cinnamon-y flavor, but the glaze proportion was lacking. Primo's promises donuts made fresh daily, but that comes at the expense of poor selection if you don't arrive early in the morning. Further, though the quality is higher than the standard neighborhood donut shop, so are the prices -- we spent nearly $7 for our two treats. At the end of the day, the donuts were good but not great (and not worth the premium). While I might opt for Primo's on a whim if I'm already in the area, I won't go out of my way to pay Primo's a repeat visit.

Cinnamon Roll - so so - skip this one!
Erik G.

What I've Ordered: -Chocolate Devil's Food Pretzel -Cinnamon Roll $2.95 -Cherry Cake Sprinkles $2.95 -Butterflies -Glazed Buttermilk -Glazed Twist Primo's opened in 1956. Their family business has spanned three generations. They are most well-known for the Buttermilk Donut or the Butterflies Donut. Those are the most popular donuts according to the staff. I've also tried other donuts and I tend to agree with the staff. Out of all the donuts I've tried..Butterflies and Glazed Buttermilk are my favorites. The Chocolate Devil's Food Pretzel was quite good as well. They're known for their cake donuts. Don't deviate from that! I've tried other donuts from Primo's like the glazed tail or a cinnamon bun and they are so-so. I liked the cake donuts the best so far! I've been coming here about once a week for the past month. I will continue to try other donuts and update this review. FYI, they open at 6 AM Monday-Saturday and 7 AM on Sunday.

Angela Z.

The donuts were amazing! they had just ran out of the Buttermilk they are famous for but we got the original Buttermilk instead and it was amazing! Also got the old fashioned with vanilla glaze and double chocolate donut those were fantastic as well. There was a decent parking lot in the back with ample parking when we got there a around 9:45am. The inside of the shop is pretty small but they do have a small indoor seating area.

Sprinkling of sprinkle donuts
Sunshinethu ..

If you like dense flavorful donuts this is the place for you. If you want something a bit more light and fluffy, steer clear. The service was pretty good, when we got here the line was out the door but it moved quickly. Inside is very plain, everything is practical, no flourishes. Just donuts and machinery. Overall it was ok, but not great. Parking was a breeze in the lot right behind Primos.

Original Glazed Donut
Ashley S.

A little disappointed by my first visit to primos! I bought three donuts and the total was $9.55 which I think is a little crazy for old fashioned donuts. I tried the buttermilk bar, old fashioned maple and raised plain glazed. I was most disappointed in the raised donut because it was as dense as the other two! Definitely not the best donuts I've had. I did enjoy the flavor of the maple one however. there is a parking lot but some spots are reserved for other businesses in the plaza so a little confusing

Menu
Breanna A.

I've missed Stan's and was in the area so wanted to stop by and see what the new place was like. I saw on Yelp that they had a tribute donut to Stan so I knew I had to get some. I didn't see any in the display but asked and they mentioned they only make them a few days a week and call them "primo pockets". They are peanut butter and banana filled and dipped in chocolate. This donut was perfection and brought me right back to the days of Stan's donuts. I'm happy they have this tribute but wish they could make it an everyday option or at least set days so I know when to come. I think they should lean into honoring Stan as his donuts were a staple in the community. Apart from the primo pocket, the rest of their donuts are pretty standard options. Good donuts but not worth a 30-45 minute drive over the hill. If I had a guarantee the primo pockets would be available I would drive hours for that donut!

Chocolate bar
Mimi R.

Good donuts. Parking in the back. Shop is small. Service was fast and friendly. Came in later in the day on a weekend and there were still some good options left.

See all

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chuck S.
77
14
19

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of R D.
1
4
0

19 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Ria B.
65
60
13

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rob D.
0
59
8

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Best donuts in Los Angeles! Especially yummy on a rainy day. Well-made Stumptown coffee. Great people working here. Will always be back.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mike S.
0
115
1

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ali G.
977
371
12

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of kim p.
0
160
3

15 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lulu D.
210
30
23

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K K.
5
98
158

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Michael J.
169
77
31

8 years ago

Got the apple fritter and a cinnamon roll. Donuts were on point and love the family atmosphere.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ehr R.
0
40
0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sam H.
55
105
54

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Henry F.
387
132
488

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of sherry j.
53
319
205

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Wendy G.
354
56
50

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Charles B.
33
274
878

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Janel Y.
290
1410
1628

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris O.
11
52
22

15 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Alicia B.
134
137
55

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Penny F.
658
172
30

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ray Roz K.
121
151
21

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Douglas C.
34
292
27

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 11 of 19

Ask the Community - Primo's Donuts

Are the donuts peanut allergy friendly?

I have no idea

What type of oil is used in frying?

Hi . Do you do custom color donuts, I need them for my baby shower?

Hi there! Yes we should be able to accommodate. You can email the owner directly and he will help! Ralph Primo - ralphprm@aol.com

Does anyone know why the price of their dozen plain donuts (not specialty) increased by $9? I used to get a dozen plain glazed for $19!

I don't know exactly, but I bought 6 donuts last weekend and the price was reasonable ($8-10). Then today, the same donuts were $17. That kind of price increase is obscene and I would like to hear an explanation for it. I love primos, but I will not… 

Are there gluten free options?

They do not have gluten free donuts anymore

Do you make letter donuts?

Hi Amanda, Thanks for reaching out. We can definitely try. Best way to proceed is to go to the catering page on our website and fill out the submission form describing what… 

What are the best donuts to get from here besides the glazed buttermilk?

Hi John, Thanks for reaching out. It's all very subjective but our Butterflies are very popular as are the Vegan cake. For something decadent there is the Tatiana and the… 

Is there usually a long wait in the morning around 7-8 AM?

Hi Warren, It really depends on the day and time of year. Donuts shops are not as busy after the… 

How can I rent the donut wall for an event?

Hi Yvette! Yes, you can reserve on our website! https://www.primosdonuts.com/donut-wall-faq

Are you making a strawberry and cream type donut right now? Maybe even a strawberry nutella?

Hi Denise! We don't have a strawberry and cream donut on the menu at this time, but you can contact us via our website about potentially doing a special order.

What flavors are the vegan donuts, and are they available every day?

Thanks for your question! Our vegan donuts come in the following flavors: blueberry, vanilla, cherry, cinnamon and plain. We make our vegan donuts every day but to ensure we don't sell out before you come in the shop, we highly recommend you reserve… 

Do you have Kosher donuts?

Hi Girstin, We are so sorry, but we do not offer Kosher donuts at this time.… 

Are they able to add edible glitter to their doughnuts? My coworker's bday is coming up soon and she likes sparkly things. lol

Hi! Contact us through the form on our website for reserving donuts and we’ll see what is possible! Www.primosdonuts.com

Do they sell French Crullers?

Unfortunately we do not currently sell French Crullers. — The Primo’s

Do they take credit cards? Like Amex? Thanks!

Thanks Production G for asking. We are definitely and Old School shop but we accept all credit cards and soon Apple pay. Thanks again.… 

View All 19 Questions

You might also consider

Cafe Dulce

Cafe Dulce

4.2
(2.7k reviews)
11.1 mi
$$

Cafe Dulce is in the Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo. They have a pretty wide range of…read morethings on their menu, including baked goods, coffee drinks, matcha drinks and food. I'm from the Bay Area but I've been to Cafe Dulce several times. My wife and I really like their Hong Kong Tea Latte and their Matcha drink, as well as their various donuts and baked goods. In the morning rush they can be a little busy but the staff work hard. On a recent visit I saw people eating their steak breakfast burritos, so I ordered one for myself and a coworker. The burritos were reasonable size, the steak was seasoned well, and the breakfast burrito had potatoes in it (I only like breakfast burritos that have potatoes/hash browns/tots in it). Keep supporting the classics, not just because they've been around for a while, but because they have strong products and service.

I've passed by this place so many times but haven't tried it out until recently! I really do like…read morethe pastries. So much variety here so there's definitely something for everyone. Mochi Twist ($5)-- Nice and dense mochi texture? I guess it's hard to describe but it's not hollow and airy like a typical donut. There's some chew to it. And it's not too sweet! Blueberry Roti ($4)-- Flaky crumble on top and blueberry jam?? YES YESSSS. I liked this so much I'd definitely go back for it. Blueberry jam is so underrated and it's rare to find it in a pastry! Makes for a good sweet lil treat. Hot latte ($5)-- Perfect!! No complaints. Not too milky, not too light. Good ratio. I was actually kind of worried ordering a latte because not every place does it right but it's good here! Iced blueberry matcha ($6?)-- I see lots of good things about this drink on here but ooooooof... it missed the mark and by a LOOOT too. It was green sweet cereal milk. Where's the matcha? Where's the blueberry? It was so confusing because I see the green and I know I ordered matcha... but it's just sweet milk! And it's not even blueberry flavored milk. Did they forget the blueberry jam? Syrup? Whatever they use? Because it just tastes like the milk after a bowl of Frosted Flakes or something like that. Very sad, very disappointing. Ended up tossing after a couple sips. ANDDD for those matcha purists this is NOOOT the place for you! They have it pre mixed in a milk gallon. So we just saw green milk coming out of a gallon into this cup like yeppppp ok expectations immediately lowered. Anyways, hot latte is good and the 2 pastries I got were good! Steer clear of the matcha!!!

Photos
Small case with a lot of flavor
Small case with a lot of flavor
Various Milk Cream Donuts
Various Milk Cream Donuts
Crème Brûlée Donut. 5/5

See all

Crème Brûlée Donut. 5/5
Flour Fresh Cream Donut

Flour Fresh Cream Donut

4.6
(70 reviews)
5.3 mi

I love this bakery because it reminds me of all the Asian bakeries back in New Zealand. The cream…read morethey use just sits better. It's light and fresh, not like the fake, overly sweet crap you get at most bakeries here in the US. I think I've ordered from them 6 times in the last two weeks, which probably says it all. The strawberry cream donuts especially remind me of the cream donuts back in NZ. So worth it that I genuinely don't give a shit about the calories lol.

I was in the mood for a donut, and my donut place down the street was closed. I've driven my Flour…read moreFresh Cream Donut many times. It used to be Magee" Dontuts for many years. Flour Fresh Creme Donut has been around for three years now, so that says a lot about how much people like what they have to offer. I naively went in looking for a traditional ring donut. You won't find anything like that here. They primarily have the Korean-style fresh cream donuts. Again, I was looking for a traditional donut, and the closest thing I saw was the flour twist donut. It was nothing like a glazed twist donut; the only similarity was that it was twisted. It seemed to be baked, not fried. It was very good quality, but I really messed up by not getting a creme-filled donut instead. My friend had a pecan roll and loved it. The quality of the product here is top tier for sure. The prices are premium, but the quality matches the price. They also sell sandwiches as well as coffee and tea drinks. I will certainly go back and try one of the many creme-filled donuts.

Photos
In case you care for calories in their Cookies N Cream $5.75
In case you care for calories in their Cookies N Cream $5.75
Blueberry Milk Cream  $4.75 - the weight of it in case you care for calories purposes
Blueberry Milk Cream $4.75 - the weight of it in case you care for calories purposes
Cookies N Cream $5.75 tasty but their strawberry is the best

See all

Cookies N Cream $5.75 tasty but their strawberry is the best

Primo's Donuts - donuts - Updated July 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...