Holy Cow in Edinburgh, City of

If I was living in Edinburgh I would eat here every week. This is heaven for vegans, especially the tiramisu cake.

We loved it. The food was very good and the atmosphere was just perfect. One of the best vegan sandwiches we have ever had. Will definitely come back. Greetings from Germany.

Excellent food, the flavors of the sandwiches were reminiscent of those of a well-known fast food restaurant and it was a journey into the past for my taste buds, the NY cheesecake was also very good, prices in the average range with the restaurants in the city, very kind waiter always with a smile, small and very intimate but well kept environment

Beautiful boutique type cafe restaurant with relaxing atmosphere and good music especially very good service - very attentive staff. Gian in very friendly and always welcoming. The cooks are also very skilled. Food is extremely good - I love the soup and the mushroom burger. Cakes are divine. And it is affordable. Well worth paying a visit. I go regularly ❤️😍😉

Absolutely gorgeous breakfast, I'll be thinking about the tempeh and scrambled tofu for weeks! And the banoffee pie tasted just like my grandma's used to. Staff were very friendly

Breakfast wasn't so good as the Holy cow lounge, the haggis was really overdone, couldn't eat it. Mentioned to server who said sorry don't know what happened there. Not great experience

This place is an absolute top tip. The food was fantastic, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was lovely. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great spot.

So, what to say about The "Holy Cow" vegan Restaurant... Except that the name was a pretty clever choice, 'cause Holy Cow, is the food good. The place might be kinda hidden and vastly overlooked. But if you want to try vegan food or are vegan by nature, plan your next meal to be here. It is worth your while. Ambiance is laid back, especially after a busy day in Edinburgh. The personal is authentic, friendly and open for a little Smalltalk. Over all an exceptional experience and the destination for our next meal, If we are to visit Edinburgh again.

Odd service today. Very nice soup, but it was served cold.. it was obviously a mistake, but the response was odd. When it was returned, we were told the chef literally couldn't get it any hotter. It felt like a denial when we were happy it was put back in the microwave for a minute. A very strange experience. The chef really shouldn't stand in view of customers touching their face, nose and ears while in the kitchen. Sadly we won't be returning to a previously excellent cafe.

We loved this place and went back twice during our long weekend visit to Edinburgh!

good choice of food and everything absolutely delicious! we ate here twice on our 4-day trip because the food was so tasty the first time round ❤️

What a lovely place! Great food, very very tasted. The soap tasted very good and the mushroom burger was delicious. They have gluten free options.

Had an excellent lunch at Holy Cow. Really nice cosy little cafe with great vegan food. Ruben sandwich was awesome

Absolutely amazing! Had a sandwich which was one of the best I ever had. The vegan cakes are super tasty as well. Staff is very friendly.

A little hidden, but brimming with life. Be sure to not eat alllll the cake, it's tempting, believe me. We had a great time and great food 👍

Homey and lovely. Very kind about diet sensitivities. Great food.

Had an oyster mushroom burger with sauerkraut on the side, was to die for! The star of the show was the new York style cheese cake!!!! Omg it was the best vegan dessert I have ever had. Thank you!

Absolutely recommended! The food was very tasty and the staff was really friendly. In addition, everything was clean and tidy and just a pleasant atmosphere!

We’ve eaten the lunch with my wife and have been greatly welcomed by the waiter, he even took a photo of us for the souvenir! The food was excellent and it was very generous. We’ve took one oyster mushroom steak burger and a Vietnamese tofu burger. The mushrooms were super crispy at the outside and perfectly chewy at the inside, and the tartare sauce was super tasty. The tofu was ferm and the sauce was a bit spicy, you will be able to recognize some Vietnamese flavors thanks to the mint and the carrot. We recommend this place a lot.

I think I fell on the wrong night. The bun on my burger had a big problem, not soft at all but dry and hard, as evidenced by the photo. The interior was good! Fries that lacked taste. The service and atmosphere... almost non-existent. Too bad given the other comments!

Great place with cozy atmosphere. The food was very good. Friendy and quick service. Do not miss!

Some of the best vegan food I’ve had. Great place.

Such friendly service and great atmosphere. It was popular for a weekday at 5pm! The lighting and music inside was really nice and the vegan reuben was DELICIOUS. Will def go again and bring my other veggie friends, there’s so much more I want to try!

The food was okay. It doesn't have the best vibe. Only 1 person was working, and he was too busy talking and on his phone to ask if we were okay, wanted dessert or another drink. We went to the counter and paid, and even then, he wasn't interested. I'm sorry but I won't be returning

Quarter pounder was absolutely delicious, chips were delicious, cake was absolutely scrumptious. Lovely atmosphere and server too

Delicious. Amazing spot. Great service.

Food was .... Interesting. Good but the breakfast was an slightly strange group of flavours. My BIGGEST issue was the table water bottle was filthy..... Chunks floating around the water white and black stuff ... Clearly not cleaned just refilled and handed to the next customers table, so we asked for another bottle and to no surprise it was the exact same......

A superb discovery, a vegetarian restaurant that is definitely worth the detour! We ate very well and particularly loved the mushroom burger, which was delicious and perfectly balanced. The flavors were original and well crafted, a real pleasure for the taste buds. An ideal address for lovers of vegetarian cuisine or simply for those who want to try something different. I recommend without hesitation!

Great food, we had burgers and they were delicious, the potato fries were actually potatoes and not fat with potatoes, friendly service. Overall great experience!

What a good vegan food, I loved it, and the service was also really kind, they give me a recommendation and it was perfect.

Vegan place in city centre, the smoothies are great. We had a toastie and fries which were filling. I wish that their menu had more varieties. The seating is very cosy and the service is welcoming.

Delicious sandwiches, burgers and drinks. I haven’t had the cakes in a while but I remember them being nice

Amazing grub and really fulfilling! Hand cut chips! Would recommend to anyone any day!

We had the beetroot carpaccio and the Ruben sandwich which were both amazing. As someone who doesn’t eat meat I do miss a good deli sandwich and this hit the spot. We went for an early dinner and the place was quiet and we were seated immediately. Friendly staff and great food!

Get the mushroom steak burger. I’m not even vegan or anything, it’s just really good. It’s got such a C R U N C H

Really great vegan full breakfast with a pot of tea, great energiser for the day

Love little vegan cafe! Had the mackerel toastie and a kombucha (brewed locally) - both super tasty and reasonably priced. Also a lovely atmosphere and great service :)

Small but well warmed restaurant. Everything is homemade here, from the food to the drinks. Even the sauerkraut and pickles. Everything vegan, even gluten-free, is possible. Food tasted good, the teas and infusions were whole teapots. Very nice staff, we would like to come back

Stopped in as a walk in, able to get a table no problem. Had the vegan gluten free breakfast which was incredible. Fast, friendly service. Also had vegan cakes including Oreo cheesecake which looked soooo good. Highly recommend, I will be back!

Lovely people, great fresh and tasty food. I had dirty fries and Ruben Sandwich, great portions..

We went for dinner last night and we were surprised by how fast and nice the staff was, the food was amazing, very tasty. I recommend for either vegetarians or vegans or if you want to try some tasty vegan food.

Super delicious vegan food. Including vegan cakes. Highly recommended. Located in the sousterrain (one stair down)

Great food, great portion size. The mushroom oyster burger was yummy! Amelia was very friendly:)

Good vegan burgers, fries are amazing! 🌱🍔

Ordered a tea. Received the largest pot of tea I’ve ever seen in a restaurant. Delicious. Great food too.

found this hidden gem when i first moved here 3 years ago and i just keep coming back, best vegan sandwiches and cake i’ve had in my life!

Lovely lunch here today. Can't fault anything. If I had space I would have had cake too as they looked amazing..

A place to have breakfast or eat 100% vegan. Very nice and very pleasant atmosphere. It's not cheap but it's worth it. It is very pretty and everything is very well served.

Friendly and relaxed service and we managed to get table for 4 mid week right away so no problems with walk-ins only. The food tasted great - had the no mackerel pate which had a great texture, tasted smoky and the seaweed in it (we had to ask how it was done!) gave it a taste of the sea. Also go hungry as the portions are large.

The staff was lovely, accommodated phone reservations, even though they don't in principle do that. The food tasted really good and they used high quality ingredients.

Fantastic! So glad to find somewhere vegan. I think it might've been the best vegan cheesecake I've ever eaten in my whole life. Very helpful, welcoming and attentive staff!

Super good burgers. The service guy was very attentive and friendly.

Amazing vegan burgers!! We tried the quarter pounder and the jackfruit. The service was excellent! We loved it ❤️

One of the best vegan places in Edinburgh hands down. Love coming here. You get variety whether you are looking for sandwich, soup, salad, burger, or something sweet. The food is always excellent, the staff are really lovely and friendly. If you're looking for vegan food or you are curious and want to try something plant based then put Holy Cow on your list.

Very good vegan "fast food"! Must try!

Found this special spot on google looking for a whole food plant based organic cafe and this fit perfectly. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, ans natural. The service was brilliant. The food was satisfying and delicious Highly recommended.

Delicious vegan food that tastes like homemade. Super friendly staff and cute surroundings.

Beautiful place, to eat breakfast lunch or dinner, all options vegan. Super cakes

Superb cakes and sweet staff. Had the Victoria Sponge and Biscoff Cheesecake

How good it was! First evening, first restaurant, very well received. The portions are generous, the flavors are there. We will come back with pleasure!

Great food, friendly staff, but small menu for lunch. Desserts looked divine. Almost walked past the restaurant, as you need to take the stairs down to lower ground level.

Delicious food and healthy portions. Nice relaxed atmosphere in a cozy restaurant. Really nice Tofu burger with proper handmade chips. It's nice to have a fully vegan menu of tasty food! Highly recommend.

It's a quiet and relaxing place, tucked away in a corner near St. James Quarter. The cheesecake was light and not very sweet, and tasted great. We ordered chai and pumpkin lattes, and they were nice and hot. Thanks for the experience!

Had the Full Vegan Breakfast, very good. Filling portion size.

Little hard to find (it's below ground) but the food is great. Nice break from pub food in Scotland, Reuben was good! Cute atmosphere too.

Small restaurant in the basement, very charming and quiet. The menu is short but excellent. The products are fresh. I loved the soup and the Burger, the desserts are also varied and very good. I will come back on my next visit to Edinburgh 😊

I found the Vietnamese burger a bit lacking flavour, the prices quite high (although I think that's just a bit Edinburgh all over) and the music was quite loud and intrusive.

Our order was served very quickly and was every bit as good as we hoped. Very high quality food at very reasonable cost. The home made kimchi was an added bonus, just loved it! Very substantial portions too, we couldn’t eat all of it ( but did eat most!)

The food was tasty, but the cold, unwelcoming, unfriendly service left an awful taste in my mouth and ruined the dining experience.

The most delicious food I've had in a long time. And such a delight to be able to choose anything and everything off the menu! We had the Reuben sandwich, the soup and the Banoffee cheesecake, all delightful! I will definitely recommend it to everyone visiting Edinburgh. 😋

I had a great post-hike meal here. The chai latte was tasty and was a great way to warm up. The Ruben sandwich was flavorful and made me feel refueled. The hot dirty chips were a bit spicy for my preference.

A bit off the beaten path, but definitely worth looking for it. I went for dinner and we had the loveliest time. I enjoyed every bit of my mushroom burger and I also indulged in a smoothie and a cake which were both worth every penny.

The worst vegan burger I have ever tasted, could not finish the meal. It was like eating dry bread with lettuce and some diluted and tasteless "dressing". The place was kinda filthy.

Holy cow was amazing! My girlfriend and I were visiting from the USA and stopped here due to its reviews. The waitress was extremely friendly and told us about some of the history of the town, and the food was amazing! My girlfriend melted over the cheesecake and the glass of soy milk they got us from the back. We went back again on our return trip!

Absolute perfection, the vegan breakfast was phenomenal, where do you get the sausages! And great cakes too, coffee and atmosphere lovely too, thank you

Wow! Amazing! Much tastier than a meat Scottish Breakfast - I was very impressed, will return!

Great food, generous portions, very very nice people

Had breakfast there and everything was yummi. The staff was nice and the outdoor area in the backyard quite cozy. Highly Recommended! 😊

Food and drinks are just simply not appetising, service is slow as they only had one server. AND EXPENSIVE! I could make my meal for £3 at Asda

ordered 3 menus. none of them were tasty. paid 60. way too expensive for such tasteless menus. atmosphere and service was good.

Very good food, big portions, we had burgers with chips and it was more filling than we expected. Nice vegan cake selection too!

Had a lovely experience eating lunch here while visiting Edinburgh. It can be very hard to find places that cater for vegetarians who also have gluten intolerances, so this was fantastic. Wide range of options on the venue, and tasty food with large and filling portion size. Staff very welcoming and friendly. Would definitely return.

Great vegan food, atmosphere and service. Perfection! Highly recommended! Had myself the "Green Smoothie" & "Cult HC's Pad Thai Salad" and also took some "Victoria Sponge" & "Forest Fruit" cakes to go.

Excellent vegan lunch with very generous portions. Super dog friendly and great service. Thanks!

I rate 200 out of 10!! Best cafe ever with vegan cakes so yummy I want to have them all!!! Also great soup. Recommend everyone to come everyday :)

The chai tea and the cappuccino were great. The vegan cakes were first class! The service is also good

Very cozy Cafe with tasty cake and Coffee and very friendly personal. 😋 You can also enjoy your coffee outside in a quiet garden.

Small entirely vegan restaurant located in a street basement, typical of England. Simple menu: soup of the day, four burgers and four sandwiches. I personally opted for the Oyster Mushroom Burger (breaded oyster mushrooms, imitation fried chicken), already a success even if it is already loaded to the point that you may want to remove a piece to eat it more easily . I was able to taste a piece of a friend's jackfruit burger: very surprising taste, close to meat so worth testing. However, the real stars of the show here were the fries: a mix of classic potato and sweet potato fries, cooked to perfection in a way I haven't been able to eat often. They go very well with the quality organic ketchup on the table, too! The desserts are also of good quality (you can take them away for those with a sweet tooth). I will come back with pleasure!

Very warm welcome, attentive and very friendly French waitress. Delicious food and good value for money.

All in all it was really nice experience: I ordered the Oyster Burger, which was nice and so crispy, but a bit too greasy and nearly "too big to handle" - but If you take some of the fried Oyster pieces it works well :) Really reminded me a bit of real meat, referring to the consistency (Just my impression, but i haven't tasted meat now for over 11 years). The fries were also good. There was a bottle of organic Ketchup on the table, it fitted very well :) The chocolate-cheesecake as a dessert was really nice, very soft consistency and not too sweet. Sometimes the service seemed quite short-spoken but was in general still very nice. If you have never been to the Holy Cow: it's downstairs, so don't look for it in the upper floors. So thank you very much, especially for the cake! I'll visit you again if i come back to Edinburgh :)

Had dinner at Holy Cow with my family tonight and the food was incredible. We couldn't believe how much food we got and everything was delicious. The best vegan Ruben sandwich I've ever had.

Very good vegan restaurant. Friendly service. Advised.

Seriously delicious veggie burgers, lemonades and coffee. The desserts also looked delicious, but unfortunately I had no more room in my stomach. Nothing can be done, we'll have to stop again!

Staff knew how to handle my gluten restrictions, which was great! Unfortunetaly, the gluten free bun I had was crumblimg down, as the burger had way too much sauce. The fries were a bit soggy as well.

Hidden vegan restaurant serving all day breakfast plus other dishes. The Pad Thai salad with smoked tofu was nice and refreshing for a late lunch, the place wasn’t too busy but it did take a bit of time to get our food. Overall a nice find

Amazing experience. Wonderful options, fantastic flavors, best chips in the UK! Superb sandwiches & burgers. Smoothies, tea, & healthy juices too. The mushroom steak burger can't be beat!

I as able to share in 2 meals here while visiting and loved every bite and every sip. Thank you for Being here

Delicious food, fast and friendly service, cosy atmosphere. Would definitely return

The mushroom hamburger was perfect 🤤

My sister ordered a whole snickers cheesecake for my birthday. It was astonishingly bland, and tasted like someone blended a block of tofu, spread it across a base of dates and almonds, and drizzled very bitter chocolate sauce on top. No idea where the snickers part came in aside from some raw peanuts sprinkled on top. We thought surely there had been a mistake and we had accidentally gotten someone’s sugar free or gluten free order. After reaching out for an explanation and possibly a refund, we were assured that our cake was made exactly as it always is and that there was nothing wrong with it. Given this reassurance, I feel confident recommending that no one order the snickers cheesecake, unless you are looking for an experience that harkens to convincing yourself that the weird low-calorie “dessert” you made while on a diet is actually tasty. I have been vegan for a long time, and had some truly phenomenal vegan food, cheesecake included. This was decidedly not one of them. Might have expected to come across something like this in 2014, but given the current state of creativity and innovation in vegan cuisine, this cake was uninspired and disappointing. Oh. And it was £60. So forgive me for having higher expectations.