Union of Genius is a cafe budget eat in Old Town, Edinburgh.
Editorially verified May 19, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
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Address: 8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN
Oink hog roast counter on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, carving a whole suckling pig from 11:00 daily, the city's best £8 lunch in a roll.
TryHog roast roll with haggis stuffing
TipCloses when the pig runs out, often before 15:00 on busy days. The haggis-stuffed version is the authentic Edinburgh choice.
Civerinos Slice on Hunter Square in Edinburgh Old Town, the counter arm of the Civerinos restaurant. At 5 Hunter Square. Booking recommended.
TryNew York-style pizza by the slice
TipSlices rotate through the day; pepperoni and margherita are always on. Fold it in half New York-style and eat standing.
Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, a sit-down and takeaway chippy cooking fresh Scottish haddock battered to order.
TryBattered haddock and chips
TipTakeaway counter at the front is faster than the sit-down section. Order at the counter and eat on the Grassmarket steps.
Chez Jules on Hanover Street in Edinburgh New Town, a basement French bistro serving a two- or three-course set lunch every day until 16:00, the best-value.
TryThree-course French bistro set lunch
TipThe set lunch runs every day of the week, not just weekdays. The croque monsieur and the steak frites are the reliable anchors.
Oink hog roast counter on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, carving a whole suckling pig from 11:00 daily, the city's best £8 lunch in a roll.
TryHog roast roll with haggis stuffing
TipCloses when the pig runs out, often before 15:00 on busy days. The haggis-stuffed version is the authentic Edinburgh choice.
Bonnie Burrito on South Clerk Street in Edinburgh, a student-area Mexican counter building burritos and bowls with fresh-cooked fillings for under £10.
TryBuild-your-own burrito
TipThe Clerk Street branch is the original and busiest. Go at 12:30 rather than 13:00 to skip the university lunch wave.
L'Alba D'Oro on Henderson Row in Edinburgh New Town, opened 1975 and named UK's best fish and chip shop by The Times, a takeaway chippy chipping its own.
TryBattered haddock and chips
TipEvening-only: opens at 16:00. Arrive at opening to avoid the post-work queue that builds from 17:30.
Civerinos Slice on Hunter Square in Edinburgh Old Town, the counter arm of the Civerinos restaurant. At 5 Hunter Square. Booking recommended.
TryNew York-style pizza by the slice
TipSlices rotate through the day; pepperoni and margherita are always on. Fold it in half New York-style and eat standing.
Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, a sit-down and takeaway chippy cooking fresh Scottish haddock battered to order.
TryBattered haddock and chips
TipTakeaway counter at the front is faster than the sit-down section. Order at the counter and eat on the Grassmarket steps.
