Union of Genius

It’s always great to see gluten-free options on the menu. I went for a vegetarian gluten-free sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious. The staff were really friendly too. Definitely a café I’ll be coming back to regularly during my stay in Edinburgh!

During my trip to Edinburgh, I had soup here every morning—it was that good! The food is fresh, comforting, and full of flavour. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. A must-try spot if you're in the city. I will definitely come back again!

Our first meal in Edinburgh and it was delicious! We had the chicken chilli and the chicken soup. My partner is coeliac and the food was clearly labelled gluten free and the staff were accomodating, there is a GF bread alternative to sourdough! Quick service and cosy area to sit by the window. The prices were great, highly recommend!

Love this place! Been a couple times. The service is great and the soup is delicious. It’s a nice spot to warm up on a chilly day. Prices are good for the amount of food you get! Very filling & satisfying!

My go to local cafe! Delicious, mouthwatering food. I had the chicken curry and the börek and couldn’t resist to take away. Everything is fresh and cooked daily. Prices are very reasonable and portions are huge. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Friendly and helpful staff as well and a chill vibe overall.

Warm and cozy home made soup on a chilly rainy day. Baver is so proud of the recipies (and should be!) Got the Anatolian style chicken. Generous chunks of chicken- well balanced, bright, Smokey. Tangy. Premises are small, but had no issue getting seating.

Great and cozy place to get some comfort food and very reasonable price. It was very cold and windy and the soups resurrected us. The bartender was very kind and charming. We will definitely come back when we pass by.

Yummy lentil and lime soup. Vegan and gluten free! Took it to go since they were about to close and found a spot up the street to enjoy, Middle Meadow Walk.

Union of Genius was screaming my name this September...and I'm glad I answered! It was a cold and wet day in lovely old Edinburg. Needed something to tide me offer ahead of my Harry Potter walking tour, and well, the Percy Pigs I picked up at M&S, while delicious, just weren't going to cut it. Soup...I needed soup...and oo did I find the best soup EVER, or at least the best potato and leek I've tried! So many great options to chose from (meat, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free drinks, soups, chillies, sandwhiches, pastries, etc...), but I had my heart set on the potatoe and leak soup. It was a flavor bomb, elevated by the addition of sesame seeds and parsley, served with a side of fresh sour dough bread. It was such a warm and comforting meal, exactly what I was looking for. And when I say I finished every last drop in that bowl, I mean it. The cafe also offered a very warm atmosphere. While limited, there was both indoor and outdoor seating. I easily found a comfy stool to enjoy the meal. If you're in the area, you have to stop by. Not only will you find yourself a delicious meal, but you'll find the service to be fast and friendly. Nothing compliments a delicious meal like kind and caring service :) Thanks Union of Genius!!

Most patrons seemed to be take-away, probably due to small seating area. Fresh soups small sandwiches and filled pastries. I had carrot- ginger soup and a mince meat pastry. My wife had minestrone and a ham-cheese croissant The owner brought us a piece of carrot cake to share. This was all perfect for a late lunch on a damp day.

Homemade soups were great. Each day it changes. Nicely spiced and felt very fresh and hot on a cold and rainy Scotland day. We had their carrot and ginger and butternut with double cream and thyme and cinnamon. We also had the triple chicken, truffle sandwich, outstanding.

We needed some type of hardy meal that wasn't potatoes or a burger or fish and chips and my husband found this cute soup restaurant. The soups change daily and they are so delicious and filling! We were so happy to just sit and drink soup. The service was great and the interior of the restaurant was so cute! One of our favorite places while on our honeymoon in Scotland.

Absolutely delicious soup ( we had carrot & ginger and butternut, double cream, cinnamon & thyme). Very warm & inviting staff. Highly recommend.

I came upon this place when searching for soup in Edinburgh here on Yelp and am so happy my son and I decided to check it out! Close to the university, cheap, delicious, and nutritious! My son had the chicken chili and I had the vegan version - both ordered with cheese and sour cream and served with tortilla chips. A perfect light yet hearty lunch!

Needed a quick, cheap, lunch on a chilly day in Edinburgh and this place did the trick. It's a tiny shop with a decent line around lunch time but it moved quickly and the soups came out quickly as well. A variety of choices, all of which sounded delicious. To try a few, opt for the sampler of 3, I went with a large potato, chorizo, and kale. It came with a choice of bread and the meal was in front of me in a matter of minutes. I loved the cute presentation in the soup crock on the slate board! The soup was piping hot and very flavorful. the chili's looked great as well and a bit more hearty. Would definitely recommend for a quick, affordable lunch in Edinburgh!

So good! The soup and chilli were delicious, the food came out lightning fast, and the folks behind the counter were kind and helpful and all around delightful. I'll be back for sure--highly recommended!

When I think of a soup cafe, I think of the soup nazi from Seinfeld. Luckily, the soup is just as amazing without the heavily mustachioed man. Union of Genius has a plethora of amazing soups to choose from, with options catering to those who are gluten and dairy intolerant as well as the lovely veggie and vegan crowd. For ~£5, you get a standard sized soup and your choice of bread. If you don't want bread, they always offer you a piece of fruit. If you're caught between a few choices, you can even opt for a soup flight which features three soups and three types of bread! I have yet to try their Vegan Chilli, but it sounds amazing. Other than that, they also have a lovely display of vegan and gluten-free treats to satisfy your sweet tooth! The staff are lovely, and I also really like their suspended soup program. If you have the extra money, you pay for a stranger's soup in case they can't afford it. I thought this was a really sweet gesture and really helps spread the Pay It Forward mentality. The only thing is the lack of seating; however, I usually manage to squeeze my way in, so it's not too big a problem.

This is absolutely one of best soup in the town! We ordered the flight of 3 and comes with 3 of your choice soups with 3 pieces slices bread. Very tasty and friendly staffs! Recommend!

Don't be discouraged by the long lunch line. It moves quickly and it's worth the wait for their soups and salads. Their broccoli, miso, almond salad was hearty and healthy and gave me the much needed vegetables I was lacking in my diet this week. My friend also loved her golden chicken chili. Both of our meals (all of their meals) come with one of three different types of bread (or oat cakes for anyone gf). Bring your own reusable bowl or bring your take away back to be composted and get rewarded with loyalty points.

FOOD 3.5 // SERVICE 3.5 // AMBIANCE 4 Stopped by here to get some warmth into my body on account of Edinburgh winds and a stuffed nose. This is a super small joint -- enough seating for about 10 people inside (if you are squishing and sitting with randos). I got a large autumn harvest soup with barley and tons of kale and vegetables along with some olive bread (3 pieces). The soup was hearty and filling but on the bland side. I thought there would be more flavor given the amount of sauces/spices displayed in the store but it was lacking. The olive bread was delicious though and for just under 5 pounds -- this is a good meal! I loved that the soup was served in such cute little pots , definitely sit-in and enjoy the soup! There are also some gluten free sweets and such... I tried some chocolate cake samples they had and it was pretty good (especially the frosting!) Would go back to try some of the other soups on a cold (or detox) day!

I can't believe I've been going here since it opened & haven't posted a review before now. Ah-mah-zing soup. Fresh & full of flavour. More expensive than most of the other lunch places nearby but it merits every penny & the soup comes with delicious locally baked bread which you don't get elsewhere. There's a good selection which caters for everyone. They always have dairy free, gluten free & veggie options. They have lovely cakes & make great coffee too. It's always busy. Seating is limited & if you are late (after half 1) they may have sold out of a few of the soup choices. They are that popular.

First place we ate at when we got into Edinburgh. Great place for a quick and budget friendly bite to eat! The minestrone and broccoli soup was great! Will be coming back for more :)

Soup means love in english, and I loved all of the plant based soups here!!! The bread that came with it was banging as well.

I lived in Edinburgh for 4 months and this was by far my favorite place. I never had a bad soup here and I came here around once a week. Always something different too! The staff is great. The space is a little small, but if you come at the right time you can have the whole place to yourself. This is what I miss most about Edinburgh!!

Imagine if someone bought Elaine Benes' armoire, and upon their purchase, stumbled upon the best soups the world has ever seen. Then they took these inspired recipes and added a ton of customer service charm to create a inviting, soup slurping extravaganza. Amazing soup though the menu changes through the day as they run out so get here... now!

I had some takeaway from here. There were 3 lovely soups on offer and I chose the "green" soup. This came with some delicious grainy bread. I had to take the bus home and was quite surprised to find that my soup was still piping hot by the time I finally got to dig in. Great Eco packaging! The soup was super flavourful and divine. The kind of soup you eat and feel healthier for eating, and after eating it your belly feels very happily satisfied and warmly full. It's a win win situation in every way. It's always really nice to find a healthy & delicious alternative to the typical takeaway. Highly recommended!!

I got the Caldo Verde because something about the combination of potato, chorizo and kale sounded both healthy and interesting. Let's face it, kale smells like farts and tastes like broccoli. I was intrigued to see if someone could actually incorporate kale into a tasty meal (outside of the kale crisp, which I like and applaud, but making them still makes your kitchen smell like some large ruminant has suffered gastric distress in there.) What can I say? Union of Genius are not ill-named. Their Caldo Verde immediately became my Favourite Soup Ever, even when eaten on the steps of the National Museum of Scotland on a wet September afternoon. Chunky, smoky, meaty, hearty and yet somehow virtuous, it covers all the bases. I didn't ask for the bread because I don't like bread. Who needs bread when you'll be licking the last drops out of the bowl? This is the stuff. I am very happy that my adopted home town has a place that know how to make soup magic.

Lovely little soup shop. Lots of selection if you get there early and vegetarian and vegan options.

This was my first time getting soup here. It always closes too early for me to make it! (needs to stay open till 5pm in my opinion) But to be fair when I got there only 20 min to close time (4pm) Almost all there soups were gone and there were just a few chucks of bread left. So not much for selection when you come just before closing. But I had heard such good things about them and have wanted to try them for a while so I went for it. Got a tomato lentil soup that was so delicious! and had some nice brown bread for dipping! Perfect early 1st dinner before I headed to the train. Really want to try and get there earlier in the day so I can try some other types of soups!

Wonderful place for lunch. Soup and salad with some great bread for £8. Many, if not most, of the soups are vegan or vegetarian. They also do coffee, which I didn't have but look d to be good. Free wifi.

A lovely bijoux coffee and soup hub. As soon as you enter the aroma of homely soup hits your senses. There is only one table with a bench seat awash with comfy cushions and modern seats on the other side. There is a small counter with stools and great music playing in the background. Outside on the street there are tables for alfresco dining. I had a lovely surprise when I had to choose from the artisan choice of which chocolate to have in my mocha coffee. Five to choose from, would it be Madagascan, orange spice, Ethiopian, Tanzanian or white chocolate? I had the chocolate from Madagascar, my mocha coffee was delicious. Lots of tea choice from Scottish breakfast to Bollywood dreams chai. It was only 9.30 in the morning yet customers were in enjoying the home made soup or ordering taking away in cartons. A great sign the soup must be fab. Union of Genius mantra seems to be homemade local, sustainable and carbon free soup. I'm in Edinburgh for a wee break so I will definately be back for their soup as I've been craving it ever since my visit. Xoxo

Amazing soup and affordable. We loved the velvet bean soup and the vegan chilli. There is little seating and we had to wait a bit but spaces open up quickly.

This is THE soup place!! If you want soup, want it to be as home made and fresh, this is the place, heck if you just want to go to a place, this is the place. When you walk in the smell of soup starts a chain reaction of human chemestry. I normally don't have soup for the reasan that I'm a tall person and need a lot to fill the space and gaps, but when entering this soup haven it is impossible to resist a bowl. I had the chicken and leek soup, £3.60 with onion bread. Mmmmmmuuuuaaaalisious! A must try, and the staff is great and friendly, the place is cosy and welcoming. Souper!

I love this place so much I want to marry it and have its babies. Soup flights, people. Soup FLIGHTS. And every soup I have had there, including the vegan chili, has been outstanding. Add excellent, friendly service and it cannot be beat. It's the only reason I can think of for visiting Edinburgh.

Cute little Scottish coffee shop with lots of organic snacks on offer. Friendly staff who for in with the hippie style of the cafe. Great music playing in the background and lots of interesting things to look at. Not a lot of seating so be prepared to order takeout on busy days.

Obviously this place is very popular, and for good reason. As someone who spends a lot of time in Portugal, I give their Caldo Verde soup a big thumbs up. Their products are obviously made with care and they have some really interesting soup choices on offer. As someone with a dairy allergy it is really nice to be able to have various Vegan options and not have to worry about milk products. Though the space is small it is a nice atmosphere and the staff is very friendly. Cant wait to go back and try their whole variety of soups, amazing artisan breads and coffees. This place deserves your business.

Oh wow - I had read Jenny L's review of this place, but hadn't clocked where it actually was, so on my rare jaunt into the central university campus today, I had to stop by and try some soup.... and very glad I am that I did. Had the Tomato Ramala (?) A lovely kick to it, nice and chunky with lentils not at all mushy. I also had a taster of the Cauliflower and Almond soup. Almonds are one of my favourite sweet things ever, and I love some roasted cauliflower. It was very good, but a little creamy for me - I couldn't have had a whole small one. Have to say that for £3 it is VERY good value. The cafe at work charges £2.50 for a soup which is not as inventive as this, along with a crummy small roll (think the kind you get at a hotel mass catered function, that type that is sitting at your table when you arrive) This bread is delish - I had wholemeal, which does sound kinda boring when pitted against olive, 8 grain or onion, but it was a lovely wholemeal - not too dense and dry, with a good crust. As Jenny said, +1 for the cuter than cute pots - and I also dig their commitment to the environment by having their take out stuff all compostable. Great job, and if the super lovely person who served me is readin, I wasn't kidding - get yourselves a truck or something and pitch up at KB - we need some decent lunches!!

EVERY SOUP WARMS YOUR SOUL. Packed with flavor in unexpected ways. Usually 3-6 soups offered each day; different soups every day. I've loved every experience at Union of Genius. My all-time favorite flavor is the chorizo, chili, sweet potato soup. Can't decide which bread I like best: poppyseed, maybe? Located just a block from the University campus, it's my go-to spot for a takeaway lunch. The only downside to this place is the minimal seating options inside. But don't let that stop you.

Union of Genius is something a bit different, like espresso based coffee, everyone seems to be offering soup these days, from the greasy spoon to the local pub... Union of Genius offers great fresh soup and bread, but it is more than that, if your normal soup is Starbucks or Costa then Union of Genius is Brew Lab or Artisan Roast, whose coffee they keep funnily enough... Ok, I hear you say, it's still just soup though... Just soup seems derogatory when applied in this instance. The soup from Union of Genius is full of flavour, healthy and in some cases unusual. They cater to the meat lover and the vegan equally, you can even check which of six soups most appeal online, though some do sell out. Simply put, this is good food made with care and attention, give it a go and enjoy.

Union of Genius is an impressive addition to Edinburgh's lunch circuit, offering a daily range of six soups for you to choose from. The quality of the soup is excellent, and the hearty bread to accompany it very good, also. Excellent coffee from Artisan Roast, and lovely hot chocolate from the Chocolate Tree are also available for your delectation. We were well impressed, rating it as one of our Top 5 places to lunch in Edinburgh.

Amazing soup and great service! I had the chorizo y adobo soup which came with two pieces of bread and definitely filled me up. The lady who helped was incredibly nice and super helpful when I couldn't make a decision. She let me try the soups I couldn't decide between and gave me a larger size too!

I loved this little place. It was on my to-do list for awhile and a day of working at Edinburgh Uni meant I was in the right location to finally pay it a visit. It is small and I would guess at lunchtime, being able to get a seat or not (and the weather) would determine if you would eat here. The rain was bouncing off the streets but given that it was around 3.20pm when I was having a very late lunch, then I got the large window seat. Great choice of soups and perfect for veggies and gluten free peeps. Being GF, I thought I wouldn't be able to get bread but they toasted some GF bread for me so I wouldn't miss out (I LOVE it when places do this!). I opted for the mushroom soup - I know, I know, yelpers are not a fan of the humble mushroom, but as this is typically a soup which is (commercially) full of evil wheat flour, then it was great for it to be an option. It was lovely mushroomy soup and some little bits of mushrooms, all lovely with hints of pepper and garlic, not overly creamy but just really good soup. I was about £3.60, I think for soup and bread. I loved my pot (I went for a little one but still a decent sized portion) and when I'm working in the area again, I'm sure I'll be here for more soup. The choice is so good and lots of great combinations so I'm sure my biggest problem will be, what to choose next?

Popped in for an amazing butternut squash and bacon (for me) and a Lebanese lentil for the other half. I opted for mine in a bread bowl - somehow it felt more manly for a bloke more used to burgers at lunchtime - but in hindsight I think this was a bit unnecessary. The soups are so flavoursome that sticking them in a white bread basin actually makes them a bit less attractive to the pallet. If it was a seafood chowder in a sourdough bowl then different story. Coffees after were great - Artisan Roast beans so you know it's going to be a decent cuppa. My only gripe is the size. There's only one table with four chairs and a small shelf that squeezes in a couple of stools so if you want to sit in you're going to be sharing your personal space with others. Sadly for us those others were a couple of loud 'oh my gosh, Tarquin crashed the Beemer' types, which though entertaining for the first 5 minutes quickly became like really tedious - yeah? On soup alone this place would easily hit the 5 star mark, and if I was taking away then that's what I'd give it.

The owner of this lovely little "soupery" (did I just invent a word?) is passionate about potage :) A gem of a place with the most fab soups on offer and a very sensible and green approach to packaging and waste. This place thrives on the take out trade of students and nearby workers, there is limited seating but I have managed to bag a place to sit each time. Sit-in soup is served in a bowl with a lid and a couple of chunks of locally baked bread, all served up on a slate table mat. I love soup and I love this place, there are always new soups to try and a great place if you are vegan or gluten free. Last time I tried the Lebanese lentil - yum!!!

It is St. Andrews day, it is cold, I am heading into university for what will no doubt be a long slightly soul destroying afternoon of working....... How on earth can I prepare for this!?!? Ah.... ha. I know. Soup from Union of Genius, it is on the way, and it is tasty, and I have always said I would give it another go! So, I turned up a slightly late to meet Allie, who had already managed to bag the bench by the window. On offer today were many delights including - Scotch Broth, Pumpkin with sumac, Tomato Rasam, Caldo Verde, Cream of wild mushroom Potato and Parmesan. What else could I have chosen, on the feast day of the patron of our bonnie country, other than Scoth Broth. It was delicious! I had the onion bread with it as it was so tasty last time! I still say it is not the sort of place you could 'go for lunch'. it is more somewhere to 'pick up lunch'. I mainly think this as we had an older couple sitting opposite us, not saying much, whilst we were nattering away and having a good old gossip! I am sure our stories amused them! But back to the point. Soup - Yum. Bread - Scrummy. Service - Great. Will be returning as I still have not got my paws on the Coronation Chicken Soup!!

Absolutely stunning soups at very good price. A bit short on seating but the tasty soups are worth it.

LOVE Union of Genius. They're ALL about the soup and have six different ones every day - as well as various breads, brownies, salads, porridge, coffee. All packed into a tiny wee place. The soup is delicious, it really is - and they always welcome you with a smile and helpful advice, should you need it. They're even dog friendly. Hurrah! It's tiny and busy, though, so watch your timings. Takeaway is a great option, as you can take your own soup pot and coffee mug, or use their 'green Veg ware'. You can find Union's fabulous soups in various other places around town (it gets taken there in a Dutch-style carrier bike - brilliant) too. All in all, an Edinburgh staple, a fab wee business and highly recommended.

Had this near University of Edinburgh. They have a very cute mini van. A very good choice for quick meal, especially in winter: because the chilly wind in Edinburgh always calls for a delicious and hot bowl of soup. They also serve fresh baguette.

Delicious Chinese hot and sour soup and incredible array of gluten free desserts and cakes. Really good knowledge of gluten and overall great little cafe.

If you get here early - before lunchtime rush what a huge table they have, by the window as well. All the better to eat your soup at and do some work by! However as it's the only big table in the room common courtesy is to share, which I don't mind doing...chatting is optional. I was a extremely pleased to get to the table without six deep at the counter, it is almost unknown for me to be first for anything as every time previous its been packed. So with a tangent of success was feelin' good, towards solving the Empty Table Equation for example (pre-lunch + empty shop = table). A bean, chorizo, tomatoy soup served on a slate in a stoneware bowl, home baked brown sesame bread, including a coffee for around a fiver, was great. In all it soup was not too cold(or seasoned badly), not too hot...but just right. With UofG coming along when it did, thanks guys, I've met many friendly staff in town but as it's not a large place s'pose the smiles come with really enjoying your work! Can't wait to try another as think I'm hooked; but will my foodie/table experience be over...if not then I'll take it, but if it's a bad rap then maybe I'll just move forward to takeaway again?

Let's begin here for a wee pop up restaurant by the lovely Danielle for International Restaurant Day. We didn't have any soup by Union of Genius but what we did have was a choice of two risottos: Duck Ragu or Butternut - my choice was the duck ragu and it was postively yummy. Followed by a omg scrumptious dessert by Meena - an indian twist of eton mess. Immense of flavours and delicious on every spoonful!

so great! my boyfriend and I popped in for a cold drink and decided to get soup as well. I got the lentil and potato and he got the sweet potato. both were phenomenal. I would not, however, recommend the bread bowl size, as the bread they use is a not great chewy white thing and the amount of soup is probably the same as a medium. I got a small soup and chose the olive bread which comes free. The bread was beautiful and the soup was great.

Admittedly this is a very small place, with very little sitting room, but it serves fantastic soup, locally produced and gluten free bread and cakes (including a few which are vegan), all in a rustic setting. It is located near the grassmarket and the university of Edinburgh too, which is a plus. It could do with offering a student discount though! It's a good sign when business's keep it simple. Ben's cookies was a national success thanks to their dedication to good cookies, brew lab concentrates on coffee and buys most of its food from other local experts (including salad and soup from union of genius), anteaques specialises in amazing tea and scones. There is no need to overcomplicate things in a city where there is so much choice... Union of genius offers great porridge in the morning, and soup from lunch time onwards. There are usually several options for the soup, and whilst it is quite pricey at about £3 in comparison to some of the other local student places nearby, the soup variety and ingredients are superb. There are always vegan and gluten free options, and you can usually choose between a quite light soup, or a more hearty one. I went for a lentil, pepper and harissa soup, which was thick, warming, spicy, and definitely what I was after on a cold winters day. I'd like to go back to try the vegan cakes and some more soup...

i've long been told of the goodness of soups from Union of Genius. sadly though i'd never had a chance to visit this soup cafe as i don't work in town so couldn't go for a lunch break and don't live particually close by so not great for a weekend soup take away either. but luckily, i was working at the Blood Donor Centre up the road and made it a point to get my lunch from Union of Genius. the shop itself is small, with space for abotu 6 or so people to eat in around a very large wooden table. however i was taking away, so it wasn't a problem. there were five soup options and all sounded incredibly appealing but i was persuaded by the counter lady to have the roasted cauliflower with almond flakes. i got a side of the olive bread and was on my way with soup and bread placed in a convenient carrier bag for me to bring back to the office. the soup was lovely, seriously lovely and a massive portion! it was warming and soooo incredibly tasted i wished i had opted for the large instead of the regular. the roasted cauliflower added a really nice taste that was balanced well with the almonds and i think there was cumin seeds for a bit of earthiness. my olive bread was similarly tasty and good for dunking in the soup. it was with great sadness that i finished my last spoonful and used the last of my bread to mop up any soup left on the container. it's unlikely i'll have a repeat visit to Union of Genius soon, but i would highly recommend this place for soupy goodness!

It has realllllyyyy good soup at an affordable price! The chorizo Stromboli was also great!

Ok, yes. And I mean about their whole philosophy. Biking soup around town. Local, sustainable food. 'Gifting' a coffee so someone in need can come in and claim it. Donating soup every month to the homeless. Lucky homeless. Their soup is freggin amazing. I had a seasonal (top three on the list), which means they're around for about a week. Some spicy chorizo and spinach concoction that made my mouth and tummy so completely happy. They serve it with fresh bread, like poppy seed, but I had gluten free sliced bread- it was cool this was an option. Most people take away because there are like 6 seats. They have some kind of reward program for bringing back your to-go container. But I ferreted my way into a corner spot, next to some lovely French visitors, and sipped down my soup. Mmm. It was pricy, 3.50, especially when I had a nice to-go soup the other day for 1.50. But, quality, flavor, philosophy- these are worth it. And those philosophy majors need to get paid, too, right?

kindness, generosity, and good food!! visiting the university, just got off 2 flights, been up for 16 hours and this was an unexpected and welcome surprise. not to mention good food!