Best Sweet Treats Escapes Restaurants in Mar Vista
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Donuts USA
Old-school neighborhood donut counter with quick, fresh classics.
Notable Picks
#1
Donuts USA
8.1
A longtime Mar Vista counter spot for classic, no-fuss donuts done fresh all day, with a strong local regulars scene. The raised glazed and old-fashioneds are the reliable plays, and the shop doubles as a morning grab-and-go for coffee and simple breakfast sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raised Glazed Donut, Blueberry Cake Donut, Apple Fritter
What Makes it Special: Old-school neighborhood donut counter with quick, fresh classics.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A wood-fired bakery built around naturally leavened doughs baked in-house daily, with a Mediterranean-leaning menu anchored by fresh pita, shakshuka, and ricotta toast. The buzzy weekend brunch scene draws Mar Vista locals willing to hunt for street parking in exchange for bread with actual technique behind it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Avocado Toast, Fresh Pita
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired bakery where all bread, pastries, and pita are baked in-house daily using naturally leavened doughs
A German-California bakery and café with a pet-friendly patio, ideal for a low-key breakfast or lunch stop. The draw is the baking—pretzels, pastries, and sturdy sandwiches that travel well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Pretzel with Mustard, Croissant Sandwich, Apple Strudel
What Makes it Special: European baking with easygoing patio seating for dogs.
#4
Jolly Donuts
7.8
Bright, friendly counter-service shop on Venice Blvd with a broad case of donuts plus breakfast croissant sandwiches and boba smoothies. It’s a dependable everyday stop where the cake donuts and filled options shine, and the menu makes it easy to turn a donut run into a full breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Old-Fashioned, Jelly-Filled Donut, Ham Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Classic donut shop that also nails hearty breakfast sandwiches.
7.8
A strip-mall Oaxacan bakery-restaurant that doubles as a casual breakfast and lunch stop. The savory side shines in tlayudas and memelas, while the pan dulce and atole-style drinks round out a distinctly regional feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda, Memela de Quesillo, Mole Negro
What Makes it Special: Oaxacan comfort food plus an in-house bakery case.
7.7
A plant-based gelato counter tucked along Washington Boulevard, focused on dairy-free textures that stay smooth rather than icy. Flavors skew modern and ingredient-led, and the vibe is calm and minimalist—more a quick stop than a hangout. A solid hidden option for vegan or lactose-sensitive dessert cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Chocolate Gelato, Seasonal Citrus Sorbetto, Tasting Flight (multiple mini scoops)
What Makes it Special: All-vegan gelato with surprisingly rich mouthfeel.
A family-run farmers-market stand serving hot Dutch poffertjes with fruit and house toppings, made to order steps from the produce stalls. It’s a sweet, simple way to taste the market’s seasonal rhythm without committing to a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic poffertjes with butter & powdered sugar, Seasonal berry poffertjes, Stroopwafel-topped puffers
What Makes it Special: Market-fresh mini pancakes from a three-generation family recipe.