Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Central Oxford, the St. Giles' Cafe is a classic spot for breakfast, brunch or dinner. The cafe has a small dining area with a warm ambiance. All the dishes are made with freshly sourced ingredients. There are hearty sandwiches, pancakes, smoked mackerel plate and gorgeous home- made desserts. You can also become a part of their dining club, where they have a special five-course meal set up for the members on every last Wednesday of each month. So savor the delightful meal offered here along with some coffee or tea.

Wholesome food, keen prices and a brilliant location make the Vaults & Garden one of the most appealing places to eat in the city. The dining room is in the crypt of the University Church on the High Street, with a long self-service bar where the dishes of the day are displayed. Tables outside in the churchyard look out onto Radcliffe Square, with some of Oxford's finest 17th- and 18th-century architecture. There's a young, romantic, inquiring spirit in the air - you feel you're in the heart of a great university. Lunchtime is always busy, so go early.

Open since 1654, this place claims to be the second oldest coffee shop in Oxford. The coffee house derives its name from the historic Queen's Lane, where it is located on the corner. It is a popular hangout place for the students of Oxford Brookes and Oxford University and also a favorite spot for scholars to discuss the issues relevant to that time.

The Rose serves the best afternoon tea in Oxford, with superb sandwiches, cakes and scones. It's also a great place for breakfast or lunch. Everything on the menu is beautifully prepared and presented, using organic meat, flour, cream, eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables. There are no trans-fats or cynical short-cuts here. Food is cooked with care and attention to detail. Breakfasts include French, English, Continental and American variants. Lunch can be hearty or light: omelettes, club sandwiches, and a constantly changing menu of soups, salads, pasta, fish and meat dishes. Home-made ice-creams and chocolate cake are a treat too. The atmosphere is convivial and the prices surprisingly low. A gourmet choice.