Best Donuts in North Carolina (2026 Guide)
North Carolina's donut scene mirrors its food renaissance, with Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville all hosting acclaimed shops. Southern-meets-modern flavors shine through, from sweet potato cake donuts to craft-brewed stout glazes and farm-fresh ingredients.
Top 15 Donut Shops in North Carolina
Why it's notable: The top-rated donut shop in North Carolina, known for Monthly rotating specialty flavors, Seasonal limited editions, Artisan brioche donuts, with 1 award, serving since 2022, featuring Small-batch artisan donuts and Monthly rotating flavors.
Why it's notable: One of North Carolina's highest-rated shops, known for Made-to-order hot doughnuts, Vanilla glazed, Cinnamon sugar, with 3 awards, serving since 2014, featuring Made-to-order hot doughnuts and Bon Appétit award winner.
Why it's notable: One of North Carolina's highest-rated shops, known for 24-hour sourdough fermented donuts, S'mores donut, Dulce de Leche donut, with 1 award, serving since 2020, featuring 24-hour sourdough fermentation and Sourdough brioche donuts.
Why it's notable: A standout Charlotte favorite, known for Made-to-order hot doughnuts, Daily special flavor, Classic cinnamon sugar, with 3 awards, serving since 2021, featuring Walk-up window service and Made-to-order hot donuts.
Why it's notable: A standout Raleigh favorite, known for Organic yeast donuts, Seasonal filled donuts, Classic glazed, with 1 award, serving since 2022, featuring 100% organic locally milled flour and Yeast donuts.
Why it's notable: A standout Wilmington favorite, known for Creative custom donuts, Over-the-top themed donuts, Seasonal specialty flavors, with 2 awards, serving since 2017, featuring Creative specialty donuts and Multiple locations.
Why it's notable: A standout Carolina Beach favorite, known for Creative custom donuts, Over-the-top themed donuts, Seasonal specialty flavors, with 2 awards, serving since 2017, featuring Creative specialty donuts and Multiple locations.
Why it's notable: A standout Durham favorite, known for Artisan Yeast Donuts, Seasonal Rotating Flavors, Craft Coffee, with 1 award, featuring artisan and small-batch.
Why it's notable: A standout Pineville favorite, known for Classic glazed donut, Bear paw-sized apple fritters, Cream-filled donuts, with 2 awards, serving since 1996, featuring Family-owned since 1996 and Handmade fresh nightly.
Why it's notable: A standout Concord favorite, known for California-style oversized yeast donuts, Maple Bacon donut, Fruity Pebbles donut, with 1 award, serving since 2019, featuring Oversized California-style donuts and Custom filling selection.
Why it's notable: A standout Asheville favorite, known for Maple bacon donuts, Red velvet cake donuts, Sour cream old-fashioned, with 1 award, serving since 2020, featuring Family-owned and Made fresh every morning.
Why it's notable: A standout Winston-Salem favorite, known for Made-to-order hot vanilla cake doughnuts, Honey & Salt drizzle donut, Custom glaze and topping combinations, with 2 awards, serving since 2021, featuring Made-to-order hot doughnuts and Historic Reynolda Village setting.
Why it's notable: A standout Gastonia favorite, known for Cinnamon Toast Crunch donut, Maple Bacon donut, S'mores donut, with 2 awards, serving since 2022, featuring Specialty topped donuts and Iced coffee.
Why it's notable: A standout Durham favorite, known for From-scratch seasonal donuts, Breakfast sandwiches, Soups and salads, with 2 awards, serving since 2011, featuring Full breakfast and lunch menu and 100% from-scratch cooking.
Why it's notable: A standout Cary favorite, known for Maple Bacon Donut, Raspberry-Filled, White Creme-Filled, with 2 awards, featuring multiple locations and classic style.
Donut Shops by City in North Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best donut shop in North Carolina?
Beyond Amazing Donuts in Charlotte is the top-rated donut shop in North Carolina with a 4.9 rating.
How many donut shops are in North Carolina?
We have 47 donut shops listed across 18 cities in North Carolina on NearbyDonuts.com.
Which cities in North Carolina have the best donuts?
The top cities for donuts in North Carolina include Charlotte (12 shops), Raleigh (12 shops), Durham (4 shops), Asheville (3 shops), Wilmington (2 shops).