In the intense summer heat, ice creams take on new forms and become more than just refreshing desserts, evolving into true sensory experiences. However, this story begins long before modern displays: over 4,000 years ago, the Chinese were already mixing snow with fruits; in Ancient Rome, Nero would order ice from the mountains to mix with honey and wine. Centuries later, during the Renaissance, Italians refined techniques and recipes that would give rise to gelato: a denser preparation, less fatty, and served at slightly higher temperatures than traditional ice cream, which intensifies flavor and maintains creaminess. Today, it coexists with American ice cream, known for its airy texture; with sorbet, made without dairy; and variations like granita and semifreddo, which expand — and enrich — the repertoire of frozen desserts. With this historical and technical context, the 2026 season signals a creative shift in the industry. Among the main trends are global and exotic flavors, which explore Asian ingredients like yuzu and pandan, spices from the Middle East, and Brazilian tropical fruits still little known to the general public. At the same time, there is a growing appreciation for new texture experiences: ice creams with generous chunks, crunchy layers, nut mix-ins, and compositions that increasingly dialogue with contemporary pastry, elevating ice cream to a more authorial and sophisticated level. Another strong movement is that of healthy and sustainable options — from vegan versions made with plant-based milks to formulas with less sugar, functional ingredients, and the use of local inputs. At the same time, interest is growing in premium reinterpretations of classics, which rescue nostalgic flavors, yet with more sophisticated techniques and high-quality ingredients. And finally, there’s personalization: seasonal flavors, limited editions, and collaborations with chefs consolidate the idea that ice cream is also an experience, exclusivity, and a lifestyle. Thus, while temperatures soar, ice cream shops and restaurants in the city make summer a creative laboratory — where history, technique, and innovation come together to transform the act of eating ice cream into something even more surprising.
Arabia
The restaurant Arabia, dedicated to Arab cuisine, is one of the most awarded in the specialty. Combining affection and excellence, the restaurant bets on classic recipes and reinterpretations in a sophisticated environment. For the hotter days, the house offers good different options of ice cream such as: Halawi, Misk, Yogurt with Apricot, and Fig. Address: Alameda Lorena, 1821 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo /SP. Tchocolath
Famous for its honey bread, the artisanal chocolate brand Tchocolath maintains a family tradition that stands out for its high standard of quality. In its own café, you can find a variety of drinks, sweets, and savory items, along with a special brunch menu. With the option to enjoy the house star in a refreshing way, a good choice is the artisan honey bread ice cream. Address: Rua Antônio Afonso, 19 - Vila Nova Conceição, São Paulo/SP. Walnuts
Walnuts is an artisanal ice cream shop founded by four childhood friends passionate about ice cream. Starting as a neighborhood ice cream parlor, it stands out for its daily production made in its own kitchen, with natural ingredients and creative flavors that carry emotional memories. To break the routine and try unusual combinations, the menu includes options such as Canastra Cheese with Guava Paste, Passion Fruit Sorbet with Ginger, and Strawberry Sorbet with Lemon. Addresses: Vila Clementino: Rua Luís Góis, 1607 – Vila Clementino, São Paulo/SP | Vila Mariana: Rua Morgado de Mateus, 160 – Vila Mariana, São Paulo/SP. Fahrenheit
With sophisticated options, Fahrenheit brings a Mediterranean flavor to any time of day. The menu offers great options for a quick lunch, an exquisite dinner, and, of course, excellent drinks and perfect appetizers for happy hour. To conclude the experience, the suggestion is the dessert Apple Volcano, a two-apple tart served with honey ice cream and Baileys toffee. Address: Avenida Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041 (Shopping JK – 3rd Floor) - Vila Olímpia, São Paulo/SP. Maza
Located in Itaim Bibi, the restaurant Maza combines fundamentals from traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary touches in an intimate environment. A great option on the menu is the Carrot Cake, which consists of an American carrot cake with spices and pecan nuts. The cake is topped with a cream made with cream cheese, yuzu, and Bahia orange, accompanied by honey ice cream and a spice crumble. Address: Rua Manuel Guedes, 243 - Itaim Bibi, São Paulo/SP. Ama.zo – Peruvian Cuisine
The Ama.zo Peruano under the command of Lima chef Enrique Paredes, brings the best of Peruvian food, also exploring Amazonian flavors. The kitchen is very well cared for and has aesthetic dishes. A good dessert choice is the Tres Leches, served with an artisanal cashew and pisco ice cream, with hints of cumaru and cardamom. Address: Campos Elíseos: Rua dos Guaianazes, 1149 - Campos Elíseos, São Paulo/SP | Shopping Pátio Higienópolis: Avenida Higienópolis, 618 - Higienópolis, São Paulo/SP. Varanda D.inner
On dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, the restaurant of the Varanda group presents the authorial cuisine of chef Fábio Lazzarini in a more reserved and cozy space. On the menu, you can find dishes made with the best cuts of meat, in addition to different preparations with fish and seafood. For dessert, a classic reinvented option is Romeo and Juliet, which combines guava paste with cheese ice cream. Address: Rua Prudente Correia, 432 - Jardim Europa, São Paulo/SP. Lassù
Lassù, located on the 28th floor of the iconic K1 Building in Santana, offers a memorable experience with a revolving floor and a 270º view extending from Jaraguá Peak to the Serra do Mar. In 2025, the restaurant was recommended in the Michelin Guide. To sweeten the deal, a great option on hot days is the Torta Di Mele. This is an apple pie served with cinnamon ice cream. Address: Rua Conselheiro Saraiva, 207 – 28th floor (K1 Building) – Santana, São Paulo/SP. Lumi Creamy
Opened in April 2024, Lumi Creamy has two units: in República and Vila Madalena. At the counter shine the creative and full of Brazilian flavor ice creams from pastry chef Fabricio Luminato. There are options like the creamy Requeijão with Bolo de Rolo and Chocoentro – chocolate with coriander – which can be served in little pots or in handcrafted cones made with cassava flour. Addresses: Vila Madalena: R. Medeiros de Albuquerque 147 – Vila Madalena (Inside Beco do Batman), São Paulo/SP | República: R. Dr Bráulio Gomes 115 – Galeria 7 de Abril, Store 1 – República, São Paulo/SP. Momonoki
Momonoki brings to São Paulo a new way of experiencing Japanese culture at the table. Located in Vila Madalena, the contemporary Japanese café merges technique, aesthetics, and creativity in dishes and desserts that celebrate the dialogue between Japan and Brazil. For hot days, a good menu suggestion is the passion fruit gelato with wasabi, a house creation. Address: R. Wisard, 264 - Vila Madalena, São Paulo/SP. 
