Ballarat's mayor has vowed to hunt down heartless thugs who bashed a local Indian restaurant owner in a racist attack.

Mayor John Burt, speaking from the victim's bedside at Ballarat Base Hospital, said he was disgusted by the act, which left 22-year-old Himanshu Goyal with multiple fractures to his jaw.

Himanshu Goyal recovers in Ballarat Base Hospital, with support from local mayor John Burt, right, and friend Trudie Case. Credit:Justin Whitelock/The Ballarat Courier

“I am horrified and disgusted that this type of attack has occurred,” a visibly shaken Cr Burt told The Ballarat Courier.

“On behalf of everyone in this city I want to express our sincere apology that this has happened to you.