Berdiana Ice Cream Rolls serves freshly made rolled ice cream right by the sea in Santa Maria. Original concept, highly praised ice cream and crêpes, and a laid-back vibe. Just be warned: everything moves slowly. Come relaxed and enjoy the show.
When dessert is prepared right in front of you
There are places in Santa Maria where time moves slowly. And then there’s Berdiana Ice Cream Rolls, where time literally melts. You stop by expecting a quick ice cream and end up watching the whole process, from the frozen plate to the final perfectly shaped roll. There’s no rush. Ever.
Ice cream made in full view, no shortcuts
Berdiana works with the ice cream rolls concept: you choose your flavours and ingredients, they place them on a frozen surface, mix, spread and roll everything right in front of you. Fully handmade, no tricks involved.
It sits right on Rua 15 de Agosto, facing the sea, so the setting does half the work already: beach walk, heat, and an inevitable craving.
This is where it shines
Most reviews agree on one thing: the ice cream is genuinely good. Fresh, creamy and well executed, with flavour combinations that actually work.
The crêpes also get plenty of praise, including a few bold claims like “the best crêpe of my life” — not something people usually say lightly.
One requirement is essential though: patience.
Here, ice cream isn’t ordered — it’s observed.
Slow, very slow (and that’s intentional)
This is the most repeated comment: service is slow. Not chaotic, not disorganised — just slow.
The staff work at their own pace, stress-free, and the handmade process doesn’t speed up even when there’s a queue. If you’re in a hurry, this is the wrong stop. If you’re strolling with time to spare, it fits perfectly.
Calm, friendly and relaxed
The service is generally described as friendly and polite, with positive mentions of staff members for their attention. There’s no sense of indifference — just a very relaxed rhythm.
The setting helps: casual, pleasant, beachfront and without any pretensions.
Not everything is sweet
There’s one clearly negative review that has nothing to do with ice cream, but with savoury options and breakfast items: industrial sandwiches and pancakes, missing ingredients and dishes that couldn’t be prepared.
The takeaway is simple: this isn’t the place for savoury food. Berdiana works best when it sticks to what it knows — sweet ice cream and crêpes.
If your plan was “something quick”, this place will teach you a different philosophy.
To enjoy it properly
– Come with time and no urgent hunger.
– Stick to ice cream or crêpes; avoid improvising with savoury items.
– Perfect as a beach-walk stop, not a fast-food plan.
– Enjoy the process: it’s part of the experience.
A dessert you watch before you taste
Berdiana Ice Cream Rolls isn’t for people watching the clock. It’s for those who enjoy seeing their food prepared. Well-made ice cream, an appealing concept and a prime location. Slow down and it works. Rush it, and it won’t.
In Santa Maria, some places serve fast. Others remind you you’re on holiday.
On an island where “no stress” is almost a belief system, ordering ice cream in a hurry feels slightly contradictory.
