Goretti’s Pizzeria & Bar: Friday Night Drums by Lake Victoria

A Friday Night You Won’t Forget.

Sitting right on the shores of Lake Victoria, this open-air pizzeria and bar combines the gentle lake breeze, the soft glow of lanterns, and the commanding pulse of traditional drums to create an atmosphere unlike any other. It’s an experience that hits you deep and lingers long after you leave.

Why you should try Goretti’s

“African drums that stir the soul and shake the body”

• Best for: Friday evening sunset dinners by the lake with an amazing African drums and dance performance
• Must-try dish: Whole roasted tilapia, if you’re coming to eat
• Price range: 8,000–75,000 UGX (€1.90–€17.80)

Our first time at Goretti’s Pizzeria and Bar was completely unplanned. We were wandering from 2 Friends along the lake towards the fish market, the deep, rolling drumbeats caught our attention. There was something irresistible about that sound – it pulled us off the street and into the sandy courtyard where the Friday night performance was already alive and vibrant.

Come on a Friday Evening for the Performance

The drumming begins around 17:30 on Friday evenings and carries on until well past 22:00, with a break around 20:00. Sometimes the show features just the drummers, their hands creating powerful, hypnotic rhythms. Other times, dancers join, dressed in bright traditional costumes, swirling and clapping, pulling the audience into the performance as if everyone becomes part of the celebration. The energy is contagious.

One unforgettable moment that stayed with us was when one of the drummers stepped into the crowd and began to dance, his movements full of rhythm and warmth. Laughter and smiles spread through the space, and for a few beautiful minutes, it felt as if everyone was part of the same heartbeat. The music wasn’t just sound anymore—it became a living, shared celebration of life, culture, and the quiet magic of human connection.

An Idyllic Spot Overlooking Lake Victoria with a Relaxed Atmosphere

One of the things that makes Goretti’s so special is the crowd. You’ll find locals enjoying their Friday night out alongside travelers discovering the heart of the country. There’s no pretense here — just people sharing good music, good company, and good times.

Goretti’s sits right on the edge of Lake Victoria, close enough to Victoria Mall and right across the street from some comfortable tourist hotels like 2 Friends, offering sweeping views of the water and a cooling breeze that keeps the evening comfortable.

The setting strikes a nice balance between relaxed and lively. You can watch the sunset paint the sky while the sound of drums weaves through the air. After a day spent traveling or exploring Kampala’s frenetic rhythm, Goretti’s provides the perfect spot to unwind with a drink or two, and feel connected to the local culture.

Solid Food Choices to Go With the Performance

Around us, people were enjoying their dinners. The roasted tilapia, served instead of the usual whole fried fish, looked delicious on other tables. We’ve tried it before and found it decent, but it didn’t blow us away. The pizza here isn’t amazing either, even by Ugandan standards – more dry and less flavorful than what you might expect – but the food is nicely presented. The staff are friendly and respond quickly when asked but tend to stay in the background unless you call them over.

Expect prices here to reflect Goretti’s appeal to both locals and tourists. A cold beer costs 8.000 UGX (about €1,90) in summer 2025, while the whole roasted tilapia with sides goes for 65.000 UGX (around €15,40). The menu offers a decent selection, and food presentation is neat and inviting. While the meals might not be the highlight of the night, they complement the experience nicely. The real reason to come is for the lively atmosphere, the music, and the chance to be part of something authentic and vibrant.

Goretti’s only accepts cash payments as far as we know. So it’s best to bring enough Ugandan shillings (UGX) with you, since paying in foreign currency might lead to less favorable exchange rates. Having cash on hand makes the experience smoother and lets you focus fully on enjoying the music, food, and atmosphere without worrying about payment hassles.

Final Thoughts: Why Goretti’s Is the Place to Be on a Friday Night in Entebbe

If you’re after a memorable Friday night out that feels genuine and full of life, Goretti’s is a standout choice. The live drumming resonates through the open air, inviting you to slow down and feel the pulse of Uganda’s culture. The mingling of locals and visitors creates a warm community vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place where music, laughter, and the lakeside breeze come together to make an evening you’ll want to relive in your memories long after you’ve left Uganda.

And as the last drumbeat fades into the night, we will carry that beautiful evening with us in our hearts. Thank you!