Sometimes, you just need a donut.

Why we write about baked goods the day after starting a new diet is a mystery that may never be solved. Today, we're dreaming about donuts. That sweet, pillowy ring of goodness that gives in to your bite and coats your lips with sugary glaze is a brilliant invention for which we are eternally grateful.

Is it donuts or doughnuts? Time Magazine, NPR, Grammarly, and Mirriam-Webster have all looked into it and the consensus is that either is okay. Really, who cares when we are talking about sweet, leavened, deep-fried dough?

We're not big on the giant corporate chain eateries, so we're not going to talk about Dunkin’ or Krispy. We like the stories and people behind the family-owned shops who are passionate about what they do. Sure, we could watch a few YouTube videos and read some recipes to make our own, but why do that when there are so many great alternatives for better and more beautiful bites to be had?

Here are our favorite spots in West Los Angeles:

  • Primo's Donuts | 2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles & 10948 Weyburn Ave, Westwood | www.primosdonuts.com/ | A longtime, family-run donut shop offering a variety of flavors, plus muffins, scones & turnovers. (GF & Vegan options)

  • DK’s Donuts & Bakery | 1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica | dksdonuts.com/ | Always-open bakery offering creative concoctions such as waffle-donut hybrids & donut sandwiches.

  • Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee | 631 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica & 175 S Fairfax Ave Unit D, Los Angeles | sidecardoughnuts.com/ | A sleek sweet shop for creative donuts, from sweet flavors to savory breakfast versions, plus coffee.

  • Holey Grail Donuts | 8806 Washington Blvd, Platform Park, Culver City & 2441 Main St, Santa Monica | www.holeygraildonuts.com | They started with a $100 fryer, a "Reincarnated" donut, and a quest to create the worlds most delicious donut experience.

  • Blue Star Donuts | 1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd (at Aragon Ct) Venice | bluestardonuts.com/ | Minimalist cafe for grab-and-go brioche donuts in grown-up flavors such as blueberry-bourbon-basil.

The must-stop place we go if we have to go to LAX:

  • Randy's Donuts | 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood AND 829 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica | randysdonuts.com/ | The iconic Randy’s sign is visible from space.

Serious about Gluten Free/Vegan donuts:

  • fōnuts | 8104 W 3rd St LA | fonuts.com/ | Counter offering baked (not fried) donuts, including creative flavors, vegan & gluten-free options.

  • Erin McKenna's Bakery | 1415 Montana Ave, Santa Monica | www.erinmckennasbakery.com/ | Quaint NYC import specializing in dairy-free, gluten-free cupcakes, cookies & other baked goods.

If you have more willpower than we do, National Doughnut day is June 3rd, so make a big celebration out of it. We're going to try and wait until this craving passes, but I doubt that we will. Yum!

NeighborhoodsCecilie Korst//