Vaults & Garden Cafe in Oxford

Had read the reviews on the Cafe and thought it looked promising but we were to be disappointed. We visited for Breakfast and did like the premises with its vaulted ceilings and historic ambience. However, the Food was disappointing. An uninspiring Croissant and the Full English for me which was just okay but nothing more. The main issue is that the whole place is in need of a major refurb, including the toilets which have seen much better days. There also appears to be all sorts of supplies piled up in odd spaces, needs a reorganisation. Could be great with some investment and TLC.

Super cute place to get lunch out side of the Rad Cam. Great stop for brunch with friends.

The Vaults & Garden in Oxford was recommended to us and it really does what it says on the tin. Visited mainly by locals, it is an authentic place off the typical tourist trail. The food is excellent – ​​typically British, but there are also vegan and vegetarian options. It has a slight cafeteria charm when you enter, but the authenticity and over-the-top charm quickly make up for it. An absolute top address not to be missed in Oxford!

Amazing Breakfast with a view. 🩵

A hidden gem, a wonderful place to relax and taste, its desserts and coffees are delicious. If you are passing by, spare 15-20 minutes 👍🏻

This place is such a historical gem! Delicious food, great atmosphere, what’s not to love!

Nice reasonably prices cakes & coffee. Lunch time menu is great if you fancy freshly made sandwiches & soup. Roof top restaurant is great with lovely views.

Good scones and coffee. It is disappointing that there is a lack of information about Wifi and restrooms.

Scone was delicious and their coffee is also very good. The ambiance is very nice, especially if the weather is nice, you feel like you are in the 1800s while sitting in the garden. However, I think it may be because of the overcrowding that you have to wait a little while while ordering. I originally wanted to drink homemade wine, and after my order was taken and I waited for 10 minutes, I was told that unfortunately there was no more left. Other than that, it's a very beautiful place.

Great food, but pricing is unfair. For piece of bread, some beans and eggs I got charged £13:90, while English breakfast costs £13:50.

In the heart of Radcliffe Square is this delightful venue where the services is excellent and the food and drinks great. Slightly on the high side of average prices I guess but the location and ambience made up for that. Well worth a visit.

Very good place for reasonable price. We took beef mexican, tea and scone. Everything was tasty. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Overall the place seems pretty busy, especially during the weekend.

Wonderful quiet garden in the middle of the city. Food was very good. Wonderful break during a city tour.

Lo abbiamo provato per caso, incantati dalla struttura antica (1320): si trova dentro ad una stanza della Chiesa di Santa Maria Vergine e proprio in questa sala, edificio principale dell'università dell'epoca, si riuniva il consiglio direttivo. Si mangia come in una mensa (scegli cosa vuoi, passando davanti alle varie opzioni con il tuo vassoio e poi paghi); c'è molta scelta di cibo e puoi sederti all'esterno. Prezzi assolutamente modici, contando che siete davanti alla Radcliffe Camera. Consiglio l'Oxford cheese rarebit!

Was boiling inside. To top this, the staff were very rude. The place itself is right under a tourist attraction site. Best to avoid.

I ate at the Vaults & Garden three or four times during my week in Oxford, everything from breakfast to lunch to coffee to dessert. Nestled at the foot of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin on the north side near the Radcliffe Camera, it offers a peaceful, inexpensive, casual alternative to pub life. You walk inside to order from their wide range of foods (meals, snacks, desserts) and beverages (cold and hot). You can sit inside or outside. It's peaceful and communal and an integral part of any visit to the adjacent church (who benefits financially from this privately owned restaurant). If you're an Inspector Lewis fan, you'll recognize the interior and the exterior as film locations.

Super cute cafe/ restaurant. Been here several times. Good breakfast.

I paid 14£ for a main beef dish and I was still hungry. The portion size was abysmal, it could barely feed my 10 year old cousin. And it is all self service cafeteria style through a tray. Outrageous. Ripoff and tourist trap! Avoid!

I had a fabulous chicken curry yesterday Monday 15th July lunchtime. It definitely made up for the poor weather in had to encounter. Anybody know the name of it?

We had a delicious breakfast in an authentic environment, at shared tables. You find a place to sit, then pay at the cash register and wait at your table for your food to arrive. The classic breakfast with vegetarian options was a nice alternative since we do not eat pork.

One of the best scones. Lovely atmosphere in the vault of a previous church right next to the Bodlian library.

Good coffee and breakfast. Heartily recommend.

The vegan food is delicious. One of the best tasting vegan breakfasts I have had.

Visited today (Saturday), Got there early for scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast. Not particularly busy but waited a long time for this simple meal. The lady in the queue after me went to see where her meal had got to, she was having just toast. The sourdough bread was warmed - it was a long way from toasted. Only one slice too which I though was mean given it was 3 eggs scrambled. Historic and architecturally significant atmosphere but a huge disappointment with the food.

Lovely staff, despite the coffee being lukewarm it tasted fresh and delicious. The full Oxford breakfast was very tasty and the portions were very generous.

We tried the hot chocolate and its amazing!! The queue is long because the location is very strategic. A good place for afternoon tea.

The servers ignored you unless they had to speak to you

Reasonable breakfast and great environment

Everything is great!!! The chicken very good! Home

At least for breakfast, this place mainly relies on its location and historical awareness. This place is more than unique and it is cool that you can eat here as an 'outsider' among the students and knowing how old this place is and what happened here

Eat a full Oxford breakfast with a view of the Radcliffe Camera it's the best

The location, the taste and quality of the food, the atmosphere, and almost all the staff were all perfect. Except for one cashier. I ordered drinks and food separately and was waiting for them to take my food order, but they treated me very rudely, saying they hadn't finished ordering yet. The service provided was different depending on the person, and it seemed like the boss was paying attention a lot. Typical strong and weak. This is often the case with Asians, but it was very unpleasant during the trip. Everyone else was great, everyone was friendly and passionate.

Amazing hospitality, the staff were very nice, great cakes and drink too!

Amazing location with a nice garden right by the library. Was very hectic behind the bar, food and drinks were ok but pricy.

Perfect! Be sure to try the Oxford Cheese Rarebit. The service is very courteous and friendly.

For the first time in my life a staff came and asked me several times to buy something. The last staff who came to warn me was a lady and she was very rude. I was working to finish my work and I said I would buy it when I finished. The first staff member who came first said if you don't buy something I might lose my job. She said the boss was angry. I was sitting outside and I had to go inside and I told her I was going to buy something but she kept her attitude. I am not a person who sits for hours without buying anything. I was having problems sending files because of bad internet. Never go there again. Don't go anywhere if the staff and owner are rude.

Awful staff ,rude threatening behaviour towards a young family that stopped for a rest in the heat with their baby

Absolutely must visit in Oxford.

I think the chef was not in a good mood today😅 The avocado was really salty 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨can’t deal with it . My friends one with tomatoes and scrambled eggs were also too much salt.

So so pretty- great for a day out to wonder across the streets of Oxford.

The Vaults and Garden is a fun cafe in Oxford situated right under the shadow of St. Mary's Church and the Radcliffe Camera. Visit for classic afternoon tea -- we got scones, cakes, tea, and coffee for a lovely lazy afternoon. Overall a fun visit.

Beautiful venue and lovely staff. The food is very tempting too 🥰

Thank you Mich. you are the best waiter I have ever met. Truly outstanding service. Give this man a raise.

Well, by far the best scones I had and there’s always a fresh batch which makes it very special.

Lovely venue, full of character. We had great tasting mochas here. Just a warning to Tastecard/Coffee Club members do not use your card here as the entry for this cafe is in error. Come anyway - the drink, position and atmosphere was great.

Delicious food in a lovely setting. One of the nicest places we visited here in Oxford.

Absolutely one of the best full English breakfasts and scones I’ve ever had! Will definitely come back here.

Restaurant with a small menu, the seasoning is good, the portions fair. They only accept payment by credit or debit cards. It has clean bathrooms. The staff is friendly and they prepare your drinks at the moment.

Very charming place to rest on your visit to Oxford. We only had a good coffee, and it cost us less than at the London train station.

Completely amazing everything, specially people extremely kind and honest. After a delicious meal one member of our family forgot his bag pack with passports and money and the staff found it and everything was inside. They have saved the tourist time in England. Well done all stuff members of Vaults & Garden best wishes, blessings and hugs. We hope buck in a future. Many many many thanks.

The food was amazing! I paid about 20 pounds for a good meal (the beef curry with rice) and a glass of wine. Their lunch menu has several different items to choose from. Recommended.

probably the best cream tea place in ox

When I visit first, I liked this place. So I introduced here to my friend, and ordered avocado toast. However the server gave us the broken - two parted - toast and then said ‘oh the bread was broken’. What a bad experience. Personally, even though the food is great, if the server is unkind, then I will not go there.

It is a wonderful cafe right in the heart of the city. A charming, traditional atmosphere with a great view! Great coffees and bakeries. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit ;) delicious scone Had a lovely Oxford breakfast here and a cappuccino. highly recommend 👌

Much nicer than I thought. So worth a visit and there is a nice little cafe for food. No idea on the parking as we walked

lovely little gem. we had to wait a long line because it was during a graduation and pretty crowded. good tea and scones, wished they are a tad generous with the clotted cream though. also one of the staff spoke indonesian and was very attentive to us.

Had a lovely Oxford breakfast here and a cappuccino. The breakfast was very nice and the beans were just 👌 I know, how can beans be so nice?!! They just were great. Highly recommended.

Lovely place and lovely organic food

The staff are great, the scones are great, the tea is great, the atmosphere is great, what more can you ask for?

They have vegetable milk (oats, soy and almond) but it increases the bill between 50 and 70p

Stopped for tea and a scone while visiting Oxford. The place has shared tables and can be hard to find a seat inside, but it’s well worth trying. The scones were fresh and tasty. The history of the place adds to the charm.

Very nice. Would recommend it for a nice quiet lunch. Coffee is good there. I loved the toast with cheese... very relaxing and great service. Plenty of options for sitting.

The place is nice, but the food is too spiced and salty for my tasted, and the service is a little on the slow side. There is litte space to leave the trays once you have finished your meal, and dirty dishes can pile up in the eating area.

Very nice restaurant and tea room with friendly staff. Excellent scones!

I love this place and visit it every time I visit Oxford. The food is wholesome, and tasty like rustic home cooked food. There is a range of full meals or smaller items. You can help yourself to water. You queue and give your order to someone behind the counter. The staff are always friendly. At times it can feel a bit overwhelming because it is small and busy but once you have found a place to sit and eat your delicious food it is well worth it.

Great little cafe and the scones were great. Looks like the place is under threat of closure though – why they’d want you close such a great little cafe though is a mystery.

A great local find in the historical church vaults for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Friendly staff and very reasonable prices for quality food. Located just across from the famous Bodleian Library and colleges. We had the English breakfast and scones and jam with tea. Very tasty and cozy place.

Lovely little nook in the basement of an old church. One of the coolest places in Oxford location-wise to have a meal. Food is tasty and reasonably priced. I’ve enjoyed the carrot and red lentil soup, vegan Oxford breakfast, and fruit scone. Given that the vegan breakfast is the same price as the non vegan one and has food taken out (e.g., eggs, sausage), I felt like it could have included more of the beans and veggies. My portion of beans was just a handful of beans. But flavor wise it was delicious. Especially the bread! Their homemade scone was also fantastic. Drink-wise I tried their teas and chai latte and did not find them great. Service is friendly but unhurried. Prepare to wait to order, and if you’re in a hurry, avoid lunch, especially around noon.

Unimaginative and expensive menu, served slowly by surly staff. Popular with visitors due to central location, but better to be had elsewhere.

Vaults is such a cute and quintessentially Oxford cafe and their outdoor area has a great view of the Radcliffe. Proper decent portions of old school cakes and food here and decent coffee. The staff are all friendly and kind. It should be noted that it is a bit tricky accessibility wise given the narrow passages and steps for the bathrooms.

Delicious pastry and breakfast options!

I advise tourists to pass by this magical and gourmet place. The setting is magnificent!

Great little gem! Located in a beautiful place. Busy and vibrant and with a home cooked food feeling. Have at least one vegan dish (today they had two). The yellow curry one I had was great, plenty of taste. Many larger tables and there is always room for one more.

Popped in for afternoon coffee last Saturday. It was busy, but we quickly found space inside for my family of six. The space is beautiful and the vibe is warm and communal. Mochas and Lattes were excellent. Nice way to take a load off while walking around this beautiful city.

Nice hiden place, romantic ambient, banana cake taste so good

I've been here a few times for scones, and it's always a treat. Every time, business has been booming. The relentless crowd ensures an energy that works well in the space, even if it can get a little noisy. The service is hit-and-miss. They have staff who are on their game, and others who it seems couldn't care less, but this, for me isn't a dealbreaker. Love it! Also, I heard they may be closing down? Noooo! Don't do that! No one wants that!

Unbelievable brownie. Hearty, delicious food. Perfect meal and cozy historic atmosphere. I can't imagine a better place to have lunch exists in Oxford.

Quieter place to rest and enjoy great food.

Brilliant, friendly cafe with amazing home cooked food. Great place for brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. Cakes and patisserie are fantastic, and all set in the vault of an old church next to some of Oxford's most beautiful and famous buildings. Outside seating too. Hope it stays open!

Crowded with short service but good food at decent prices and a great view of the Radcliffe camera if the weather permits.

Most of the food is prepared already in advance. They just scoop it out next to the cashier. Food is not special, and coffee is ok. It is shared tables inside. The outside is nice to sit but the weather should permit it. Entrance to the inside of the place is a bit cramped.

I’ve been here a couple of times and each time has been incredible!! Their food is delicious and homemade, the perfect place to find warming comfort food this winter. The staff are also super friendly and really make the effort to attend to your needs. Also, as a full time barista I can confidently say they do some of the best coffee based beverages in Oxford, my favourite being their mocha which is super rich and creamy (I wish I knew how to make a mocha this good!?). Their prices are also very reasonable, their service is fast and they manage to maintain a very clean space. I’d highly recommend paying this stunning and historic place a visit.

Had an absolutely hearty and wholesome meal here. The chicken curry with a side of roast potatoes and steamed broccoli. I wolfed it down in a few minutes. There's a nice choice of condiments to add to your meal.

A wonderful cafe right in the heart of the city. A charming, traditional atmosphere with a great view! Great coffees and bakeries. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit ;)

We had breakfast at this wonderful spot. It is located inside St. Mary's Church in Oxford. Everything was fresh and made to order. A great find and centrally located.

What a venue and great food selection. Delicious, hearty, friendly. Rooting for you❤️

This place is so typically Oxford! Great tea and cake, and really nice home cooked breakfast and lunch.

Great vibe, mostly the college crowd. Order at the counter, pay, take your food, and find a seat! Good variety of food choices (some vegan), but I'm definitely here for the delicious cream tea.🫖

Met friends for a coffee before wandering around Oxford, very friendly and welcoming place

Beautiful place, delicious everything, super friendly sales!

Perfect location within St Mary's on Radcliffe Square with the Radcliffe Camera resplendent in the centre. Food was good to!!

What a great cafe find! Sustainable, social mission welcoming students, strollers, all ages, limited menu changes with time of day. I came back twice for the excellent Chicken Fricassee and white beans lunch. Easily found seatings in and outside, excellent counter service. Non accessible restrooms. There was a notice to sign a petition to save the cafe from eviction as the Church wants the space back, I hope the cafe stays in business.

Good breakfast and excellent coffee Queues start to build up mid morning

Fab veggie food and baked goods. Shame the church is pushing them out.

The Vaults and Garden Café in Oxford is a delightful hidden gem that combines culinary excellence with an idyllic setting. Tucked away within the historic University Church of St. Mary, this café offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Oxford. The café is nestled in the church's crypt, and its charming, rustic atmosphere is enhanced by the natural stone walls and the soft glow of candlelight. It's a serene escape from the bustling city streets, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal or refreshments. One of the most appealing features of the Vaults and Garden Café is its enchanting garden. Set against the backdrop of the church's beautiful spire and lush greenery, the garden is a peaceful oasis in the midst of Oxford. Whether you choose to dine indoors or al fresco, the setting is simply enchanting. The menu at the café is a testament to its commitment to quality. From freshly prepared sandwiches and salads to delectable pastries and a variety of hot beverages, the café's offerings are both delicious and diverse. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely brunch, afternoon tea, or a quick snack. For those seeking a unique and tranquil dining experience, the Vaults and Garden Café is an ideal choice. It seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and culinary excellence, making it a perfect spot to savor the charm of Oxford while indulging in delightful food and drink.

Save the Vault! This place is a gem and one of the highlights of my Oxford trip. I had a lovely lunch of pumpkin soup and bread with a stunning view. Let’s keep this place up and running!

Good Food | Exquisite Location | OK Service | Recommended —— Detailed Review Below —— Caught up with a dear friend on campus and we ended up at this place after looking at a few other options. The ambiance is (obviously) unbeatable, with the high ceilings and the historic building. The inside dining area can get crowded but thankfully we went on a day when sitting outside was still a viable option. I had an avocado toast, served with salad, and my friend had the Oxford Vegan (which looked fantastic with the avocado toast, the sautéed mushrooms, and the giant (white kidney) beans. My coffee (flat white), however, was disappointing, because (1) it was lukewarm, and (2) the milk was not microfoamed well enough. Verdict: Recommended - both for the experience as well as the food but be careful with the coffees Food/ Quality - 4/5 Location/ Ambiance - 5/5 Price (Value for Money) - 4/5 Service - 4/5 Other (History - 1320 Bldg) - 5/5

A wonderful independent coffee shop and lunch venue with hot meals, tasty cakes and small snacks. Speedy service and lots of seating available both inside and outside with a wonderful view of the Bodleian Library.

Nice cafe with outdoor sitting. Do come early as it gets crowded after 10am on weekends. Great place to sit down and chill.

Lovely place attached to the church, had the most amazing piece of cake - lemon, pineapple and blueberry with cream cheese icing - it was so delicious, would love the recipe! Worth a visit for sure ⭐️