Keepin’It Real Open Now

Keepin’ It Real is a laid-back beachfront bar and grill set right on the sand at Toucari Beach, a small fishing village just north of Portsmouth on Dominica’s north-west coast. With wooden decking, colourful décor and uninterrupted views across the bay, it feels like a classic Caribbean beach café, salt in the air, reggae or bouyon in the background, and sunsets that bathe the cove in golden light. Many travellers consider it a must-stop when exploring the north, particularly after swimming, snorkelling or boating in the calm turquoise waters of Toucari Bay.

The menu leans strongly into fresh, local seafood and Creole comfort food. Expect “catch of the day” plates featuring mahi-mahi, blue marlin, shrimp or lobster grilled over charcoal, served with traditional sides such as rice and peas, fried plantain, lentils, mac and cheese and other provisions. Portions are generous and dishes are cooked to order using ingredients sourced from nearby fishermen, farmers and the Portsmouth market, giving the experience a genuine sea-to-table feel. Cold beers, fresh local juices, potent rum punch and a range of house rum infusions round out the drinks menu, encouraging guests to linger as the sun dips below the horizon.

Beyond food and drinks, Keepin’ It Real doubles as a small watersports and chill-out hub. Visitors can rent paddle boards and kayaks, or join snorkelling trips and short boat excursions to explore caves, reefs and the coastline between Toucari and Capuchin. It is common for guests to swim or snorkel before lunch, eat on the beach, then slip back into the water afterward.

With its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, open-air seating and mix of good food, strong drinks and easy adventure, Keepin’ It Real lives up to its name, an unpretentious, genuinely local spot that captures the very best of Dominica’s north-west coast.