In Italy, “caffè” simply means an espresso shot, the foundation of Italian coffee culture.
Perfect for a quick, robust coffee experience, it’s typically served in a small cup. The strong, rich flavor makes it a popular choice any time of day.
Enjoying a caffè means embracing the simplicity and intensity of Italian espresso.
To order it, say, “Vorrei un caffè, per favore.”
Ingredients
1 Espresso Shot
How to order a Caffè in Italy?
"Vorrei un caffè, per favore."
History and Origin
The story of caffe in Italy begins in the 16th century, when Venetian traders first brought coffee beans from the Ottoman Empire. By the 17th century, coffeehouses – called “botteghe del caffe” – had sprung up across Venice, Florence, and Rome. Pope Clement VIII reportedly blessed coffee after tasting it, declaring it too delicious to be left to the infidels alone.
Italy’s espresso revolution came in 1884 when Angelo Moriondo patented the first espresso machine in Turin. But it was Achille Gaggia’s 1938 lever-driven machine that created the crema-topped shot we know today. The word “espresso” doesn’t mean “fast” as many believe – it means “pressed out,” referring to how water is forced through the grounds.
How It’s Made
A proper Italian caffe is made by forcing nearly boiling water (90-96 degrees Celsius) through finely ground, darkly roasted coffee at 9 bars of pressure. The result is a concentrated 25-30ml shot topped with a golden-brown crema. The entire extraction takes just 25-30 seconds.
Key elements:
- 7-8 grams of finely ground coffee
- Water temperature: 90-96 C
- Pressure: 9 bars
- Extraction time: 25-30 seconds
- Volume: 25-30ml
How to Order Caffe in Italy
Simply say: “Un caffe, per favore” (oon kaf-FEH, pair fa-VOR-eh). That’s it. In Italy, ordering a “caffe” always means espresso – no need to specify. If you ask for an “espresso,” you’ll still get the same thing, but locals will know you’re a tourist.
In most traditional bars, you pay at the cassa (register) first, then bring your receipt to the barista. In smaller towns, you might just order at the bar and pay after.
Learn more in our complete guide to ordering coffee in Italy.
When and Where Locals Drink It
Italians drink caffe throughout the day – first thing in the morning (often with a cappuccino or pastry), after lunch, and in the mid-afternoon. It’s consumed standing at the bar in under two minutes. Sitting at a table often costs more, especially in tourist areas.
The average Italian drinks 3-4 coffees per day. It’s not just about caffeine – it’s a social ritual, a moment to pause, chat with the barista, and reset before getting back to life.
Variations
The basic caffe spawns dozens of Italian variations:
- Caffe Ristretto – a shorter, more concentrated shot
- Caffe Doppio – a double espresso
- Caffe Lungo – a longer, more diluted shot
- Caffe Macchiato – espresso “stained” with milk
- Caffe Corretto – espresso “corrected” with liquor
- Caffe Americano – espresso diluted with hot water
Caffe vs Filter Coffee
If you’re used to American drip coffee or French press, Italian caffe will be a shock. It’s roughly 5-10 times more concentrated, served in a tiny cup, and meant to be consumed in a few sips. Think of it as coffee in its purest, most intense form. Filter coffee barely exists in Italy – ask for one and you’ll get confused looks.
How to Make Caffe at Home
While a true espresso requires a machine with 9 bars of pressure, you can get close with a Moka pot (also called a “macchinetta”). Every Italian household has one.
- Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the valve
- Add finely ground coffee to the filter basket (don’t tamp it)
- Assemble and place on medium heat
- When you hear a gurgling sound, remove from heat immediately
- Pour into a pre-warmed espresso cup
For authentic Italian caffe, use a medium-dark Italian roast like Lavazza, Illy, or Kimbo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is caffe the same as espresso?
Yes. In Italy, “caffe” and “espresso” are the same thing – a concentrated coffee shot made under pressure. Locals always call it “caffe.”
How much does a caffe cost in Italy?
At the bar (standing), expect to pay 1 to 1.50 euros. Sitting at a table can cost 2.50 to 5 euros, especially in tourist areas or piazzas.
How much caffeine is in an Italian caffe?
A single shot contains about 60-80mg of caffeine – less than a cup of American drip coffee (95-200mg) but more concentrated per volume.
Why do Italians drink coffee standing up?
It’s faster, cheaper (table service often has a surcharge), and more social. Standing at the bar, you chat with the barista and other customers. It’s a quick ritual, not a sit-down event.
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