Walsall’s food scene is more diverse than most people realize. Beyond the high street chains, there’s a growing collection of independent restaurants, cafes, and takeaways that locals have been quietly enjoying for years.
Whether you’re craving authentic Indian cuisine, a proper brunch, or just a decent coffee, this complete guide covers where Walsall residents actually eat – from long-established favourites to exciting newcomers that are changing the game.
Best Indian Restaurants in Walsall
Shimla Peppers Bar & Restaurant
If you’re asking Walsall locals about Indian restaurants, Shimla Peppers comes up repeatedly – and for good reason. Established in 1978, this Ablewell Street institution has been serving authentic Punjabi and North Indian cuisine for nearly 50 years.
What sets it apart? Consistency. The same recipes, the same quality, the same welcoming atmosphere that’s made it a favourite for multiple generations of Walsall families. The mixed grill is legendary, the curries are rich and authentic, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed.
Perfect for: Special occasions, family celebrations, date nights, business dinners
Location: 91-92 Ablewell Street, Walsall WS1 2EL
Royal Naim
Located in Bloxwich, Royal Naim has built a solid reputation for quality Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. Their baltis are particularly popular, and the service is consistently friendly. A reliable choice for both dine-in and takeaway.
Location: High Street, Bloxwich
Spice Fusion
A newer addition to Walsall’s Indian dining scene, Spice Fusion offers contemporary takes on classic dishes. Their presentation is Instagram-worthy, but the food backs up the aesthetics. Good vegetarian options and a modern interior.
Best Cafes & Brunch Spots in Walsall
Chaii Dosa Café
Opened in 2024, Chaii Dosa Café is genuinely different from anything else in Walsall. Instead of the usual bacon and eggs, you’ll find South Indian brunch: crispy dosas (think savoury crepes), soft idlis, and authentic masala chai.
It’s naturally vegetarian, surprisingly light, and perfect for anyone bored of the same old brunch routine. The fact that everything is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein doesn’t hurt either. Open from 11am, it’s become a weekend favourite for locals looking for something healthier than a greasy spoon but more interesting than chain café fare.
Perfect for: Weekend brunch, healthy eating, vegetarians, trying something completely different
Location: 91-92 Ablewell Street, Walsall WS1 2EL
The Lazy Hill Tap
More than just a pub, The Lazy Hill Tap does excellent food to accompany their impressive craft beer selection. Sunday roasts are popular, and the burger menu is solid. Relaxed atmosphere, good for casual weekend lunches.
Costa Coffee (Town Centre)
Yes, it’s a chain, but the Walsall town centre Costa is consistently busy for a reason. Reliable coffee, decent seating, and free WiFi make it a go-to for quick meets or getting work done.
Best Pub Food in Walsall
The Fingerpost
A proper gastropub experience in Walsall. The menu changes seasonally, ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and the Sunday roasts are genuinely excellent. Slightly higher prices than typical pub food, but the quality justifies it.
The White Lion
Traditional pub food done well. Nothing fancy, but the portions are generous, the prices are fair, and it’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting. Good for families.
Best Takeaways in Walsall
Yummies
When locals want a proper chippy, Yummies consistently delivers. Fresh fish, crispy batter, and chips that are actually cooked right. The queues on Friday nights tell you everything you need to know.
Shawarma House
Walsall’s go-to for late-night Middle Eastern food. Generous portions, reasonable prices, and those garlic sauce-covered chips are borderline addictive. Open late, which makes it a weekend staple.
China Garden
One of Walsall’s longest-running Chinese takeaways, and still one of the best. The salt and pepper dishes are excellent, portions are huge, and they’ve been consistently good for years.
Best Pizza in Walsall
Amandola
Proper Italian pizza with a wood-fired oven and ingredients imported from Italy. It’s not cheap, but it’s authentic. The restaurant atmosphere is lovely, and the pasta dishes are equally good.
Domino’s & Papa John’s
Yes, they’re chains, but sometimes you just want reliable pizza delivery. Both have multiple Walsall locations and deliver quickly. You know what you’re getting.
Hidden Gems Worth Trying
The Viceroy
Tucked away but worth finding, The Viceroy serves excellent Indian cuisine with particularly good vegetarian options. Smaller and quieter than some of the bigger restaurants, making it perfect for intimate dinners.
Frankie & Benny’s (Walsall Retail Park)
While it’s technically a chain, the Walsall location is consistently good for family meals. Kids eat free deals, reliable Italian-American menu, and booth seating that works well for groups.
Best for Vegetarians & Vegans
Walsall’s vegetarian scene has improved dramatically in recent years:
- Chaii Dosa Café – Entirely vegetarian with most dishes naturally vegan. South Indian cuisine is inherently plant-focused.
- Amandola – Excellent vegetarian pizzas and pasta dishes
- Most Indian Restaurants – Extensive vegetarian menus are standard
Where to Eat by Occasion
Special Celebrations
Shimla Peppers, Amandola, The Fingerpost – all offer the right atmosphere and quality for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Quick Lunch
Costa Coffee, any of the cafes in The New Art Gallery, or grab a sandwich from Greggs.
Family Meals
Frankie & Benny’s, The White Lion, or Shimla Peppers (which handles multi-generational family groups brilliantly).
Date Night
Shimla Peppers (romantic without being stuffy), Amandola (proper Italian), or Chaii Dosa (different and interesting – shows you put thought into it).
Something Healthy
Chaii Dosa Café stands out here. Fermented dosas, naturally gluten-free, high protein, vegetarian – genuinely nutritious without feeling like diet food.
What’s Missing in Walsall?
Let’s be honest – Walsall could use:
- More quality brunch spots (Chaii Dosa is filling a gap, but we could use more options)
- A proper sushi restaurant
- Better late-night dining beyond takeaways
- More independent coffee shops
Tips for Eating Out in Walsall
Book Ahead for Weekends: Popular spots like Shimla Peppers fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. Booking a week ahead isn’t excessive.
Parking: Town centre restaurants often have limited parking. The multi-storey car parks on Bradford Street or Park Street are your best bet.
Support Independents: Chains are convenient, but Walsall’s independent restaurants offer better quality and keep money in the local economy.
Try Something New: If you’ve been eating at the same three places for years, branch out. Walsall’s food scene is more diverse than you might think.
The Verdict
Walsall isn’t Birmingham or London, but the food scene is better than it gets credit for. You’ve got nearly 50-year-old institutions still packing out weekends, exciting newcomers bringing fresh concepts, and enough variety that you don’t need to travel elsewhere for a good meal.
The best restaurants share common traits: they’re independently owned, they’ve been consistent over time, and locals actually eat there regularly – not just on special occasions.
Whether you’re trying South Indian brunch for the first time at Chaii Dosa, booking a celebration dinner at Shimla Peppers, or just grabbing excellent fish and chips from Yummies, Walsall has you covered.
The food is here. You just need to know where to look.
