The Vaults and Garden Cafe occupies the vaulted 14th-century congregation house of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, spilling out into the churchyard garden that overlooks Radcliffe Square. The setting is exceptional — you eat among medieval stone arches and then, if the weather is good, in a garden with one of the finest views in Oxford across the Camera and the Bodleian dome.
The food is straightforward and well-made: salads, sandwiches, soups, cakes, and coffee. Much of it is organic and locally sourced. It is a popular spot with academics and tourists alike — the location makes it irresistible — and it gets crowded at lunch. Service is cafeteria-style, which keeps prices reasonable. It is also a good spot for breakfast or a mid-morning coffee while exploring the centre of the city.