Café Cielo, led by Chef Maria Torres, opened this Monday at 76-10 37th Avenue, bringing Puerto Rican-style guava quesitos to Jackson Heights. The café features pastries, strong cafecitos, and a 25-seat space for locals.

  • Café Cielo opened June 3 at 76-10 37th Ave.
  • Chef Maria Torres previously ran a bakery in Mott Haven.
  • Signature item: homemade guava quesitos, $4 each.

Chef Maria Torres officially opened Café Cielo on June 3, turning a former cellphone shop into a pastel blue pastry haven in the heart of Jackson Heights. The location, 76-10 37th Avenue, sits two blocks from the 82nd St–Jackson Heights station and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Torres’s menu spotlights Latin pastries: flaky guava-and-cream-cheese quesitos, tres leches squares, and strong espresso drinks.

Maria Torres, who grew up between Corona and Santurce, says she wanted to bring the flavors she remembers from her grandmother’s kitchen to her new café. Before launching Café Cielo, she operated a bakery counter in Mott Haven and ran pop-up stalls at the Jackson Heights Greenmarket. “Jackson Heights deserves a spot for good cafecito and a little pastelito,” Torres told NYC Pulse on opening day.

The café already draws a morning crowd of parents from PS 69 and late-night workers off the E. The 25-seat space is filled with plants and murals by Queens artist Carla Rivera. Beyond the quesitos—which have sold out daily this week—Café Cielo offers weekly specials, including arroz con leche muffins and a rotating sandwich menu. Torres plans to introduce weekend cooking classes by July.

Queens foodwatchers note that the opening marks a new wave of Latin bakeries on 37th Avenue, following recent arrivals like Panadería El Trigal three blocks east. With Café Cielo’s doors now open, Torres hopes to build not just a business, but a gathering spot. “This is for our community,” she said, “and everyone who wants a real taste of home.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Café Cielo located and what are the hours?

Café Cielo is at 76-10 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, just two blocks from the 82nd St–Jackson Heights subway station. The café is open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers can dine in or take pastries to go.

What is the signature item at Café Cielo?

The signature item is the guava quesito—a flaky, sweet pastry filled with guava paste and cream cheese—priced at $4. Other menu highlights include tres leches cake and arroz con leche muffins. Torres uses recipes from her Puerto Rican childhood.

Who is Chef Maria Torres and what’s her background?

Chef Maria Torres grew up in Corona and Santurce and previously operated a bakery stand in Mott Haven, Bronx. She is known for her Latin pastries and community pop-ups in Queens. Café Cielo is her first brick-and-mortar shop in Jackson Heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Café Cielo located in Jackson Heights?

Café Cielo is at 76-10 37th Avenue, two blocks from the 82nd St–Jackson Heights subway station.

What are the opening hours of Café Cielo?

Café Cielo is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What is the signature pastry at Café Cielo?

The signature pastry is the guava quesito, a flaky pastry filled with guava paste and cream cheese, priced at $4.

Who is Chef Maria Torres?

Chef Maria Torres grew up in Corona and Santurce, previously ran a bakery in Mott Haven, and is known for Latin pastries and community pop-ups.

What other items are on the menu at Café Cielo?

The menu includes tres leches squares, arroz con leche muffins, strong espresso drinks, and a rotating sandwich menu.

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