Review: Pizza Geeks launches its new menu on Easter Road

Pizza Geeks has officially launched its new menu at the Edinburgh Mothership in Haymarket and the branch on Easter Road. The local favourite, known for its geek-culture-inspired creations, has spent weeks teasing followers with footage of fresh dough and bubbling toppings. I visited the Easter Road site on a busy Monday evening to see if the new line-up maintains the high standards that earned the brand a spot on the best pizza in Edinburgh list.

The menu overhaul coincides with the brand’s 10th anniversary and introduces a new dough recipe featuring a 72-hour fermentation process. Using a Biga preferment and 66% hydration, the innovation promises a lighter, airier crust with a crisp finish. While some regulars might mourn the retirement of the potato-topped Shire pizza or the legendary Pineapple Express, the update signals a move into more premium, artisan territory.

The Bowser takes the crown

I went straight for the new heavy hitter: the Bowser. Named after the iconic Mario antagonist, Pizza Geeks is positioning this as their boss pizza. It is a robust combination of tomato sugo, fior di latte, pepperoni, salami, BBQ chicken, and red onion. The heat from the seasoning is sharp and immediate, cutting through the sweetness of the barbecue elements without overpowering the fresh dough.

The execution remains consistent with the Pizza Geeks’ signature style. The crust is thin, charred in places from the traditional pizza oven situated just metres from the tables, and remarkably fresh. Watching the chefs stretch dough and manage the flames adds a layer of theatre to the dining experience that justifies a mid-week visit.

Other notable additions include the White Walker, a spicy white-based pizza featuring mozzarella, nduja, and pickled chillies, and the Prince of Persia, which offers a sophisticated mix of tomato sugo, mozzarella, and spiced harissa aubergine. For those seeking something more indulgent, the new B.A. Burrata pizza comes with a whole piece of burrata on a base of tomato sugo and rosemary oil. They have also expanded their “For the Squad” sharing section, which now includes a house-sharing board and crispy golden arancini balls.

Atmosphere on Easter Road

The Easter Road venue retains its quirky charm. Even on a Monday night, the restaurant was busy. A large table of diners dominated the centre of the room, while a steady stream of bookings arrived as I was leaving. It is clear that the local community has embraced this spot as a reliable neighbourhood hub rather than just a takeaway option.

The entertainment is as geeky as the name suggests. During my visit, a popular pirate-themed anime was projected onto the wall, providing a silent but vibrant backdrop to the meal. The drink selection remains excellent, with local Pilot beer and lager available on tap, which pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of the Bowser.

The choice of music was the only point of contention. While the playlist was generally strong, a single song by The Smiths felt slightly out of step with contemporary sensibilities. Blame Morrissey for that. However, the energy in the room remained positive, fuelled by efficient service and the warmth of the oven.

Things to do in Easter Road

Easter Road is a vibrant corridor connecting the city centre to Leith, offering a mix of traditional pubs and modern independent shops. It is most famous for being the home of Hibernian FC, and the historic Easter Road Stadium is just around the corner from the restaurant, making Pizza Geeks a prime spot for a pre-match meal or post-game post-mortem.

For those visiting from further afield, the area is well-served by local buses and is a pleasant 20-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley. If you are staying overnight, you can find excellent deals on local stays through Booking.com or check availability at the Hotel Indigo on York Place for a stylish boutique stay nearby.

If you are planning a trip to the city, Trainline UK is the best way to secure affordable tickets to Waverley. For those who prefer to explore the surrounding coastal areas like Portobello, a Rail Card can significantly reduce travel costs. If you are staying in the city and fancy a night in, you can often find Pizza Geeks available for local delivery via Deliveroo UK.

Overall

Pizza Geeks has successfully navigated the difficult task of refreshing a popular menu without losing its identity. The Bowser is a worthy successor to the retired classics, and the inclusion of more sophisticated ingredients like harissa aubergine and burrata shows a maturing palate. While I would like to see these menu rotations happen every 18 months to keep the momentum going, the current line-up is more than enough reason to head to Easter Road sooner rather than later.