The invention is a device (1) for opening capsules (C) for making espresso coffee or other beverages, comprising a seat (32) suited to house a capsule (C) and deforming means (5) suited to deform said capsule (C) housed in said seat (32), wherein said deforming means (5) are suited to rest against said capsule (C) housed in said seat (32) for the purpose of deforming the capsule (C) itself in order to cause said lid (C1) to detach therefrom.