July 18th, 2025Sharing great food & giving back to community

As a parent in a tourist town, it’s terrific when an affordable restaurant with family-friendly food opens up, and Eureka Pizza & Bistro in Howe Street ticks all the boxes. In the short time since this Italian-themed eatery opened its doors, it’s already become a Daylesford favourite, much like its flagship Ballarat restaurant, which is still going strong after 53 years.
My plus one for the night was my teenage daughter. She loves Italian food and is great company. And the fact that she can take food photos like a pro is an added bonus. We were warmly greeted by Martha who settled us in with drinks. There’s a small but well thought out wine list, soft drinks, Italian aranciata and chinotto, milkshakes and hot beverages. On the job, I decided not to have wine so we both settled for sparkling natural lemon mineral water.
Bella ordered her favourite pizza, margherita. The small pizza ($18) was still a generous size and even with my help we needed a doggy box. You’d think with minimal toppings you can’t go wrong but as said teenager attests, it’s a delicate balance and her verdict was ‘they nailed it.’
Small pizzas range from $18-$22 while the large are priced from $24-$28. Gluten-free bases are available as is vegan cheese.
I’m someone who routinely suffers from food envy, when I eat out I always order something I wouldn’t usually make at home. This time I went for the chicken and avocado risotto ($27). The creamy textures and rich flavours were delicious, and the serving was so generous, even with help, I couldn’t get through it all. Another thing I love about going to a family friendly restaurant – good sized portions.
We shared a garden salad which for the price ($6) was amazing and again a great size. It was fresh and colourful and the perfect pairing with pizza and risotto.
Eureka offers more than 20 pizza options, a range of yummy starters including minestrone soup ($16) and arancini ($15), as well as an extensive pasta menu with prices starting at $25.
Mains options include seafood (calamari and prawn dishes), steak (T-bone and scotch fillet), and favourites including chicken parmigiana and veal scaloppine which are already becoming hits with the locals. There really are options to cater for everyone.
Throughout the night there was a steady stream of takeaway pick-ups and for a Wednesday night, the tables filled up very quickly. One table said it was their third time visiting and that Eureka has already become their favourite local.
As one of the owners, BJ, is quick to point out, creating an environment where people of all ages and tastes are catered for is an important motivator for the restaurant.
“We try to ensure there is something for everyone on the menu and believe creating a restaurant where people feel comfortable and welcomed is what drives us. We love sharing great food and already we have had incredible support from a generous community.”
BJ said Eureka is supporting the local footy club by sponsoring Best on Ground and looks forward to becoming part of the community and giving back.
We were too full for dessert but that’s for next time because the homemade tiramisu ($13) looked like something out of an Epicure magazine shoot.
And the pancake stacks are a must next time we go back – perfect for a weekend afternoon tea on a typical winter’s day in Daylesford.
Words: Narelle Groenhout | Images: Bella Groenhout