Best For
Hearty vegan burgers and indulgent plant-based afternoon tea.
GB
Vegan Restaurant·Snug, Cheerful, Bright, Intimate
Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh, Holy Cow is a beloved vegan bistro that specializes in hearty, plant-based comfort food. The cafe is renowned for its creative burger menu—particularly the oyster mushroom and thick-slab tofu options—all served on fresh, signature homemade buns. Beyond savory meals, it is a destination for those with a sweet tooth, offering an impressive array of cakes and a generous afternoon tea that often leaves guests reaching for to-go boxes. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, though the space is intimate and snug, making it a cozy retreat for a casual lunch or a filling vegan English breakfast. Whether you are a dedicated vegan or just looking for a delicious meal, the quality of the organic ingredients and the welcoming service make it a standout choice.
Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh, Holy Cow is a beloved vegan bistro that specializes in hearty, plant-based comfort food. The cafe is renowned for its creative burger menu—particularly the oyster mushroom and thick-slab tofu options—all served on fresh, signature homemade buns. Beyond savory meals, it is a destination for those with a sweet tooth, offering an impressive array of cakes and a generous afternoon tea that often leaves guests reaching for to-go boxes. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, though the space is intimate and snug, making it a cozy retreat for a casual lunch or a filling vegan English breakfast. Whether you are a dedicated vegan or just looking for a delicious meal, the quality of the organic ingredients and the welcoming service make it a standout choice.
You might want to ask
Address
34 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, UK
Websiteholycow.cafe
Phone0131 629 7057
Hours
Open nowMon
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
12:00 - 10:00 PM
Wed
12:00 - 10:00 PM
Thu
12:00 - 10:00 PM
Fri
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sun
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Highlights
Famous oyster mushroom burger with incredible homemade buns.
Generous vegan afternoon tea with a variety of sweet and savory treats.
Filling vegan English breakfast that satisfies even non-vegans.
Wide selection of 'unreal' homemade cakes and desserts.
Welcoming and patient staff in a cozy basement-style setting.
Currency
GBP £
Dietary Options
vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly
Time of Day
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Occasion Tags
Locals, Tourists, Casual Dining, Groups, Solo
Reviews
4.6
Excellent1,7 K reviews
Holy Cow is highly regarded for its exceptional vegan comfort food, with many reviewers specifically praising the oyster mushroom burger and the quality of the homemade buns. The restaurant offers a welcoming and patient service style, even accommodating large groups and early arrivals for afternoon tea. Portions are notably generous, particularly for the afternoon tea and the vegan English breakfast, which guests describe as very filling. While the shop is small and snug, the atmosphere is consistently described as cute and bright. Some diners noted that the service can occasionally slow down during staff transitions, but the overall food quality remains a major draw. Both vegans and non-vegans frequently express surprise and delight at the depth of flavor in the plant-based dishes.
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Location
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
