Vegan
Organic
Western
Take-out
Bakery
European
Gluten-free
Cafe serving a selection of starters, burgers, sandwiches, all-day breakfast, soups, and Buddha bowls. Emphasis on cooking from scratch and creating healthy dishes. Est. 2016. Open Mon-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-22:00. Last orders 9pm. Open hours vary.
Featured Review
Angelina-Sabrina
Points +383
Holy Cow? Holy Grail! 🙏 - Edit
Suuuuuper lecker und total lieber Service 🤩
Read moreGuest
636 Reviews
First Review by craigmc
Kira.
Points +43
The banoffee pie is YUM! - Edit
I went to Edinburgh for a 3 day trip back in July and went here once for lunch and one for dinner.
Read moreAt the time their sign wasn't up and the restaurant is in the bellow street level (Down the stairs) section of the building, so we didn't notice it at first.
The place is super clean and the staff our polite and welcoming. The main things are burgers, sandwiches and salads with some spring roll wraps aswell. My family opted for burgers both times we went.
First time, my mum and I had the portobello mushroom burger, which was super juicy, and my dad (Both my mum and dad are omni) who is super into meat, had the tofu burger, which I didn't expect him to like, but he wolfed it down and was super happy with it. The chips you get are really good and crispy and they have organic ketchup which I love.
The second time, both my parents had the portobello and I had the falafel burger. The burger tasted good, but was way to dense and a bit on the dry side for me. Just TOO much falafel.
We didn't get to try most of the cakes but they looked fantastic. I had a slice of banoffee pie and it was AMAZING, I missed banoffee pie. It tasted just like it's non-vegan counterpart.
The toilets are clean and I would definitely go back.
Pros: Good range of food, Cakes looked amazing, Polite and welcoming staff
Cons: Closes early so keep an eye on time
Guest
Iamreb
Points +53
Great burgers - Edit
We orderd "fresh" apple and orange juice but it was just regular juice from a bottle lol, little bit strange. Menu isn't that large unfortunately, and there aren't healthy options except for the salads...
Read moreBut the cheesecake was 10/10!!! The peanutbutter brownie was also to die for, but a little bit dry for me. I love it that the cakes weren't that sweet, just sweet enough!
Pros: Delicious burgers, Delicious cakes, Friendly staff
Cons: Little menu options, especially the drinks
Guest
trisarahtops18
Points +101
Best vegan cakes I've had! - Edit
We've been to Holy Cow a few times now, and we've always left the restaurant feeling incredibly full, and incredibly happy. The food is all fresh and made on-site, even the bread, and everything is delicious. The portions are massive- definitely go along with an empty stomach! The cakes are particularly amazing- they usually have a vegan cheesecake available, and it's the best cake I've ever had. It's a great little spot, and the staff are absolutely lovely. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Edinburgh!
Read morePros: Excellent food, Lovely staff, Generous portions
Guest
ChipOwain
Points +46
Possibly the best vegan café in Scotland. - Edit
Definitely pricier than other cafés, but the food is restaurant-quality in quality and portion size, generous. Would highly recommend the super juicy portobello mushroom burger. If you're going to buy a vegan cake from any venue, make it this place. Best vegan cakes (I've tasted) in Scotland - but again, the quality is reflected in the price.
Read morePros: Taste, Portion Size, Quiet
Cons: Can't think of any. , For the quality, any cheaper would be unfair
Guest
KarenClement
Points +271
great burgers - Edit
I really enjoyed my food, the burger was great! Would eat here again. I didn't enjoy the cake too much as it was a little oily but this didn't stop me finishing it!
Read moreGuest
LauraAngelaBrennan
Points +22
great vegan food and atmosphere - Edit
I really enjoyed my meal at Holy Cow, I had the Jackfruit burger and my partner had the Thai carrot and we both enjoyed our meal! The chips were delicious as was the garlic mayo! The soup and bread starter was also great!
Read moreThe cakes looked so good so we got them to take away and eat at home!
Would also recommend getting a smoothie, I had the yellow one and it was delicious!
Guest
MarinaNobre
Points +22
The Best Vegan Burger - Edit
Best vegan burger I've ever had. Generous with the portions and fillings. Garlic mayo was delicious. Great quality ingredients. Atmosphere cosy and cute. Service was fast and friendly.
Read moreGuest
rasmoos
Points +24
Cozy place & warm staff - Edit
Frequented Holy Cow multiple times during my stay in Edinburgh. It is hands down one of the best all-vegan places I have visited in Scotland. Everything on the menu is good, be it food, cakes or smoothies. The portions are good.
Read moreThe place is situated in a cozy room below street level. The staff are very kind, friendly and I was always met with a warm smile.
One last thing: get a smoothie!
Pros: Excellent food, Friendly staff, Good value
Cons: Small place, Stairs down
Guest
Jonandmarkuk
Points +223
very nice food - Edit
Great food tucked away near the bus station.
Read morePortions were very generous.
A word of warning, the kitchen closes for hot food about an hour before the closing time.
Pros: everything is vegan
Cons: cash only
Guest
hippoportamus
Points +25
Fresh and very tasty - Edit
We we're very happy with our meals and drinks, they were fresh, colourful and very tasty. The service was friendly and helpful. We walked away fully satisfied, will defiantly come back.
Read morePros: Can eat anything on the menu, Prices are good, Relaxing atmosphere
Cons: No alcohol licence
Guest
Robona
Points +56
hidden gem! - Edit
An out of the way and hard to spot hidden gem! Lovely selection of burgers. Masses of cakes to choose from and all 100% vegan. Worth checking out.
Read morePros: great menu options
Cons: a bit chilly due to open door
Guest
Nayvee
Points +124
Cozy place - Edit
Dropped in with my friend during our school trip. Unfortunately we had a lack of time and money too, but managed to taste one soup and a sandwich. Both were fulfilling and delicious. Staff was helpful and kind and the interior was very lovely. I wish I could have tasted more, the cakes and burgers looked amazing! Their home made bread is mind blowing
Read morePros: Big portions, Dogs are welcomed
Guest
PolyCoelho
Points +22
Amazing!! - Edit
Really delicious food, nice place and great staff. Totally recommended!
Read moreGuest
SaraHugner
Points +46
Disappointed - Edit
I was excited to visit this Cafe because of the high rating, but was disappointed with the overall quality and experience. Would not recommend.
Read morePros: Cute exterior and interior.
Cons: The latte I ordered was mostly foamy milk, and the
Guest
Tray-C
Points +579
Hidden Vegan Gem in Edinburgh! - Edit
Excellent food and service. We had the rainbow spring rolls, green juice, green salad and mushroom burger. All very fresh and delicious. All homemade. Very highly recommended.
Read morePros: Service, Homemade delicious food
Guest
paulaispaula
Points +20
I would definitely come back :) - Edit
Lovely place and an amazing food. Loved the portion size and choices of desserts 👌🏻
Read morePros: amazing customer service , unusual choices of cakes
Cons: cash only
Guest
mikeldbengal
Points +24
Lovely homely feel - Edit
Wonderfully homely place with fresh seasonal dishes.
Read moreGreat location and family-friendly.
Pros: Friendly, Fresh food, Great location
Cons: Cash only
Guest
NatalieDowelMcIntosh
Points +362
Really enjoyable experience - Edit
The food was fresh, hearty and delicious! There were six of us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Lovely place!
Read moreGuest
modog737
Points +67
Unbelievably Vegan! - Edit
This was our first vegan restaurant to try in Edinburgh. Amazing! Small cafe style just below street level. Bright, cozy and very quirky and cute decorated spot. Lovely tables with some having window benches to sit at with lots of cute pillows. The food...small, but incredible menu. We had the CBLT sandwich and fresh vegetable roll. Healthy and delicious....and amazing vegan desserts. Banatoffe pie and oreo brownie accompanied by excellent Americano and almond milk latte. Just a wonderful spot...not to be missed for lunch or a coffee and dessert.
Read moreCons: it's not near my home
Guest
Fagioli
Points +35
Great spot for lunch - Edit
This is a nice place to stop in for lunch or coffee. They had a number of plant milks to choose from which was a nice contrast from the usual coffee chains. Friendly staff, good food. The bread was a little bit dry in the burger, I got the jackfruit one, but otherwise very good. My girlfriend got the cheesey cheese open sandwich, which was a bit heavy on the sauce, but the buckwheet bread was great.
Read moreGuest
gdwasmund
Points +62
Delicious! - Edit
Had the Cheesy Cheese sandwich and hot chocolate almond milk and also a taste of the red velvet cake. Large servings yum!
Read moreGuest
Ghiribizzo
Points +224
Sunday lunch - Edit
Amidst the chaos of the demolition of the St.James Shopping Centre on the opposite side of the street... an oasis at Holy Cow.
Read moreVery filling burger with so many potato wedges. Excellent!
Guest
Shannon.Bushell
Points +93
Gem in Edinburgh - Edit
Great spot, amazing burgers, friendly service
Read moreGuest
neil7908
Points +436
Decent food and great staff in a good location - Edit
Although a little hard to find the restaurant is actually in a very central part of Edinburgh and for anyone coming into the city via bus, train or tram from the airport it'll be no more than than 5 minutes from where you are dropped off.
Read moreMy partner and I had a bit of a mixed view on our food and drink. We went for lunch and ordered the fish burger, bacon sandwich, a smoothie, a coffee and a bit of cake. Overall the sandwich, cake and coffee were very good. The fish burger and smoothie didn't quite do it for us. The fries were really good though.
Staff were wonderful and we'll certainly be going back again to try some other things on the menu.
Only other downside is that it is quite expensive. Including tip we spent over £30 on lunch which was a bit pricey.
Pros: Location (once you find it!), staff, some great di
Cons: Expensive, some not so great dishes
Guest
bibifelstead
Points +74
Best vegan burgers and cake around :) - Edit
Incredibly impressed with this place!! The staff were lovely, the burgers were by far some of the best vegan burgers I've ever tasted (I've had a fair few), and the red velvet cake I ordered was to die for. I'm sure one of the best vegan places to visit in scotland.
Read morePros: burgers!!!, Best vegan cakes, lovely staff
Cons: not open for evening hours?
Guest
StepRam
Points +24
lovely little Coffee shop and Vegan lunch spot - Edit
Lovely little Coffee shop with lots of cake.and vegan lunches hot and cold.
Read moreFree Wifi
Pros: lot's of options totally Vegan Quiet
Cons: no plugs for charging phone's and laptops so n
Guest
HappyT.
Points +208
Great service and delicious food. - Edit
Great service! I had the Mexican burger with chips (delicious) and a slice of the red velvet cake (also delicious). Highly recommended!
Read morePros: All vegan, great service, delicious food, clean, a
Guest
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