A coffee, please.
caf-FÈ — two syllables, accent on the last. Always written with an accent in Italian.
At any Italian bar or café when you want an espresso. 'Un caffè' always means espresso — no other coffee is the default.
In Italy, 'caffè' without any qualifier means a single espresso. You do not need to say 'espresso'. The word is so central to Italian life that ordering anything else requires you to specify explicitly.
Vorrei un caffè.
I would like a coffee.
'Vorrei' is more polite — use this in formal or busy bars
Mi fa un caffè?
Can you make me a coffee?
Very informal and natural — common between regulars and baristas
Un caffè ristretto.
A short espresso.
'Ristretto' = less water, more intense flavour — the strongest espresso
In Italy, espresso is consumed standing at the bar ('al banco') in about 30 seconds. It costs roughly €1–1.50 at the counter. Sitting at a table ('al tavolo') can cost 2–3 times more. Most Italians drink 2–5 espressos per day.