🍦 At The Sun Places we understand true luxury through the small and most authentic moments of the day. For this reason, we encourage you to discover Helados Toni, an indisputable reference if you are looking for the best ice cream parlour in Sanlúcar de Barrameda with unrivalled roots and tradition in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Throughout its thirteen decades of history, this lineage of master ice cream makers has zealously protected traditional production techniques, while incorporating very attractive contemporary touches. It has become the favourite stop to combat high summer temperatures with recipes cherished with the same devotion as in the late 19th century.
From The Sun Places we want to enrich your high-end stay by bringing you the most emblematic flavours of the province. This iconic establishment, located in the lively Plaza del Cabildo, holds a past closely linked to trade routes and the heritage of artisan work.
History of Helados Toni: the origin and expansion of an artisan lineage
The foundations of the brand date back to 1896, when Carlos Bornay left his native Ibi (Alicante) on a journey that would redefine his future. Before settling permanently, he travelled to Italy by train and horse-drawn carriage to master the secrets of ice cream making, gathering technical skills that he would later put into practice in his workshop.
Upon his return, he sought the ideal location to open his business. Although he initially considered crossing to North Africa, during a stop in Algeciras he discovered the great potential of a town in Cádiz dubbed "the San Sebastian of the South", as it concentrated the summer holidays of high society and royalty. The municipality also had a strategic port with salt flats and an ice factory, essential elements for cooling and churning the creams. Thus, he opened his business under the name "Nevería Valenciana".
The founder's firstborn, Toni, took over the workshop years later and sealed the definitive name that everyone knows today: "Helados Toni". The family business grew alongside his seven children, expanding throughout the province of Cádiz with picturesque hand-pushed carts that toured key spots with the cry of "al rico helado mantecado".
Fina Bornay, Toni's eldest daughter, took the reins together with her husband Toni Vilar at the shop in the square, while her brothers undertook projects in Chipiona and Jerez. Later, María José —Fina's daughter— took over with her husband Ravi Jordá, driving technological modernisation and renewing the specialities each year, while maintaining the demanding product quality standards.
In 2024, the most recent change of guard was consolidated, delegating management to the sisters Rosana and Lorena. Lorena, with a background in Veterinary Science, is in charge of the workshop, supervising traceability and food safety, while Rosana, with a degree in Business Administration and Management, handles accounting and business direction.
What unique creations define their display case?
The house stands out for offering some of the best artisan ice creams in Cádiz, based on secret recipes passed down from parents to children. Among the most popular options are:
- Mantecado: The great emblem of the house, faithful to the 1896 method. It is patiently cooked in a pot over fire to achieve a perfect infusion of vanilla pod, lemon and cinnamon notes.
- El secreto del abuelo (Grandfather's secret): A suggestive and velvety crème caramel base combined with pine nuts and a touch of caramel sauce.
- Elcano: A tribute created in 2019 to mark the fifth centenary of the First Circumnavigation of the World by Magellan and Elcano. It combines fresh milk, caramelised sesame, almonds and pistachio.
- Al-Andalus: A gourmet delight made with authentic Payoyo cheese, harmoniously combined with walnuts, honey and date jam.
- Traditional range and new trends: Established options such as Turrón, Tiramisu, Ricotta with candied figs or meringue milk coexist in harmony with avant-garde bets such as Kinder Bueno or the highly sought-after Dubai Chocolate. It should be noted that the establishment is open from mid-March to the first days of October.
Where can you find the Helados Toni workshop?
The shop occupies a privileged position in Plaza del Cabildo, the social epicentre of the city. Its strategic location in the historic centre makes it the ideal stop to treat yourself to a sweet moment while admiring the monuments of the Barrio Alto or walking towards the coastline of Bajo de Guía.
The significance of Helados Toni for the local heritage and for The Sun Places
This family business transcends the concept of a conventional ice cream parlour; it is a bastion of culinary memory and Sanlúcar culture. It highlights the tenacity of five generations dedicated to safeguarding a product of excellent quality, a journey backed by important national awards:
- 🏆 Gastro&Cía Award for "Business Trajectory": Granted by the newspaper La Razón in October 2023 in recognition of its commercial and historical consistency.
- ☀️ Repsol Guide Solete Distinction: Formally integrated into this prestigious selection, which confirms it as a must-see point of interest within the Repsol Guide gastronomic map.
For The Sun Places, delighting in these jewels of cold gastronomy represents an essential experience that injects exclusive value into any gourmet itinerary. For this reason, our distinguished Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda stand as the ideal starting point to discover this legendary sweet legacy.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we are passionate about exploring every corner of our destinations, and visiting this workshop during our summer stays in Cádiz has become a must-do ritual. The pairing of historical heritage, top-quality raw materials and the enthusiasm projected by the fifth generation of master ice cream makers creates a sublime experience. I personally invite you to let yourself be captivated by the freshness and magic that surround summer evenings in the heart of the town.
The perfect getaway with The Sun Places to discover the essence of Helados Toni
We propose an exclusive weekend itinerary designed to make the most of the area's main historical and culinary attractions:
Friday: Arrival and first immersion in the Sanlúcar summer
Saturday: Immersion in culture and gastronomy
Sunday: Farewell with sweetness
Ready to experience a sweet gourmet journey on the coast of Cádiz?
📞 Contact the The Sun Places team and let us design your dream holiday: we manage your reservations in the most select gastronomic spaces, coordinate private visits to historic wineries and put at your disposal an exclusive concierge service tailored to your needs.
Do you wish to continue discovering the most beautiful destinations in Spain from the comfort of our exclusive properties? We remind you that the premium hospitality of The Sun Places accompanies you in exceptional locations. We invite you to explore our Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, villas and Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, elegant Luxury Apartments in Madrid, charming stays in our Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, stately corners in our Luxury Apartments in Córdoba, exclusive retreats at the Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús and, of course, the Andalusian magic of our accommodation and Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
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