Union of Genius

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Homemade food that truly feels like a home-cooked meal. I highly recommend the soups and the combo meals. The staff were very friendly, the prices were fair, and the portions were huge! Congratulations to the whole team—keep up the great work!”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “We got the beef chilli and it was very yummy! It came with chips that tasted freshly made. It’s small and busy inside the cafe but the food was great and well priced.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “this was our first meal after a flight and it recharged us. we were greeted with a warm smile over the counter and who knew the food would reflect the staff just as much, the food warmed our hearts. we had soups no. 3 and no. 4 which was a indian palak shorba and roast pepper with tomato oregano. as for the carbs, we had a reuben focaccia sandwich and a chorizo feta borek. im literally battling a food coma writing this review! will definitely come back to try more pastries. i love it here so much”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “5 stars all the way. Who knew a bowl of lemon pesto chicken barley soup and a spinach & cheese borek could satisfy my stomach for lunch. Highly recommend.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Absolutely fantastic, best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had in the comfort brisket bowl. 10/10 and the owners were so so nice and explained the menu and everything. Extremely well priced, felt like a deal. Can’t recommend enough.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Union of Genius, Edinburgh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you want proof that simple food done brilliantly beats fancy food done averagely, Union of Genius is your place. Scotland’s first soup café, on Forrest Road, serves six fresh handmade soups daily using locally-sourced ingredients, each paired with flavour-matched artisan bread.  The two dishes pictured say it all. The braised lamb (or beef) mole-style stew with polenta was deeply satisfying — rich, slow-cooked, beautifully spiced, topped with sesame seeds and fresh coriander. Paired with a vibrant tomato soup served alongside a golden, flaky borek, it was a lunch that genuinely overdelivered. The menu includes global soups, vegan and gluten-free options, boreks, cakes and specialty drinks  — so there’s something for everyone. The borek in particular is worth ordering on its own. The place has a real community ethos too — they donate soup monthly to the Edinburgh Care Van and run a scheme where you can buy a soup for someone in need.  Rated 4.7 on Tripadvisor and ranked among the top 150 restaurants in Edinburgh , it’s the kind of spot locals want to keep to themselves. Go early — it gets busy, and the best soups sell out. Verdict: Unpretentious, warm, and genuinely delicious. One of Edinburgh’s best lunches, full stop.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Incredible confort homemade food plenty of flavour and taste. They have healthy dishes and smoothies at a very reasonable price. The only problem is that the place is little and could be difficult to find a free place. Service is excellent as well.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “We came here for lunch, we had 3 soups, some starters and a plate with mashed potato and beef. The food was amazing and the price was very good! The guy who'd served us was super nice and explained everything to us. The restaurant is a bit small so it can be busy but 100% worth it! Prezzi ottimi zuppe e piatti buonissimi e personale gentilissimo!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “I can confidently say that this is the finest restaurant in the country in terms of hospitality, flavor, and hygiene. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with exceptional warmth and professionalism. The staff’s courteous and attentive demeanor made us feel genuinely valued as guests. I was truly captivated by the exquisite taste of the dishes we enjoyed. The menu offers an impressive variety of soups and traditional pastries, each prepared with remarkable care and culinary expertise. Every bite reflected a perfect harmony of freshness, quality ingredients, and masterful technique. The ambiance is equally outstanding — refined, inviting, and impeccably maintained. The combination of a warm atmosphere and superior service creates an unforgettable dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking excellence in both cuisine and hospitality.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “The soups we had were delicious and came out very quickly! The staff were welcoming and talked us through the menu. Great place would definitely recommend!”