Halifax is home to some seriously crave-worthy doughnuts. Whether you're a fan of old-fashioned favourites or inventive new flavours, there’s a doughnut in HRM with your name on it. From morning coffee runs to afternoon pick-me-ups, here are a few of the best spots to treat yourself—no special occasion required.
1. Vandal Doughnuts
A beloved Halifax staple, Vandal Doughnuts has built a cult following with its wildly creative flavours and playful, handcrafted treats—each one as bold in taste as it is in design. The original North End location often sees early lines of doughnut devotees eager to snag a signature pink box before they sell out. Their second shop, now open in the Cunard District on the Halifax waterfront, offers the same irresistible experience in a stunning new setting. From candy-covered classics to vegan-friendly favourites, every bite is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. New flavours drop weekly, every Tuesday.
Vegan options available.
2. Bramble Cafe
Bramble is a cozy plant-based bakery and café crafting some of Halifax’s most irresistible doughnuts—it’s a must-visit, even for non-vegans. Handmade in small batches, their flavours rotate weekly with the seasons, featuring standouts like Milk Tea, Wild Blueberry, and the always-popular Vanilla Glaze. Everything is egg- and dairy-free. They tend to sell out quickly, so it’s worth calling ahead if you’ve got a favourite in mind.
3. Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe
Have you really lived if you haven’t had a sugar doughnut from Dilly Dally? We’re not so sure. This welcoming café on Quinpool Road is home to the Tiny Kitchen, where a team of NSCC and Holland College alumni whip up fresh, seasonal doughnuts alongside house-made pastries, soups, sandwiches, and more. With its cozy vibe and commitment to fresh, small-batch fare, Dilly Dally is a must-stop for anyone craving a sweet bite and a great cup of coffee.
4. Ol’ School Donuts
Get your doughnut fix from the tricked-out Ol’ School Donuts school bus! Serving fresh, delicious mini cake doughnuts just like Granny used to make, this family-run food truck offers a variety of mouthwatering flavours. From classic cinnamon sugar to inventive options like Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Raspberry, and Caramel Skor, there’s something for every sweet tooth. To find out where and when the bright red bus will pop up next, check their Instagram for the latest updates.
5. Aroma Maya Coffee & Donuts
Aroma Maya Coffee & Donuts is a proudly Nova Scotian, family-owned bakery and café known for its fresh, artisan doughnuts and small-batch roasted coffee. Their monthly rotating doughnut menu features a wide variety of flavours, from simple classics to over-the-top creations like the iconic Moon Mist, inspired by the beloved Nova Scotian ice cream. With options including yeast dough, cake, plant-based, and gluten-friendly doughnuts, you’re sure to find a treat to satisfy your craving.
6. Martinique Desserterie & Delicatessen
Follow your sweet tooth to Musquodoboit Harbour and discover Martinique Desserterie & Delicatessen, a charming bakery known for its decadent treats and European flair. Owner Ola blends her passion for baking with her Polish heritage, bringing a unique cultural twist to the Eastern Shore’s pastry scene. From classic rings to flaky, layered cronuts and rich, filled Pączki—traditional Polish doughnuts—this spot is a five-star destination for baked goods lovers.