We ate here for dinner and again the next day for brunch. It exceeded the expectations I had of bar food. My boyfriend really enjoyed his gyro with impossible meat, and I really enjoyed the cheesy grits at brunch. The fried pickles were also very good. The tacos I had were just okay for me but I could see other people enjoying them. I didn't order any of the chicken dishes because I think Beyond Chicken is currently one of the worst vegan meats-it has a weird chalky texture. It would be amazing if they switched to a different product such as Delight Soy.
Update: I would summarize my experience as 3.5. I previously rounded up because I do appreciate being able to order anything on the menu. I enjoy going to a restaurant and being able to share anything that's ordered. Now that is no longer the case so I have adjusted my 3.5 rating to round down. I haven't eaten here since the change but I am already feeling less enthusiastic about it tbh. The owners are entitled to make their choices but I'm not going to pretend that those choices don't impact customer experience. Obviously, it has a stronger impact on many other vegans, but personally, I don't eat exclusively at vegan restaurants. So it's disappointing, but I'll still stop by when I'm in town and reevaluate my rating then if needed based on the food and overall dining experience.
Updated from previous review on 2024-01-06
Nikki Mack
I used to adore this restaurant. I'm not vegan, but I eat plant-based about 75% of the time, although usually I have to do it from home because I am, unfortunately, in a hate-hate relationship with gluten. This place though? This place had plant based AND gluten free options. Lots of them!The vegan spinach artichoke dip? Devine. The vegan tacos? Superb! Wash it all down with a gluten free kombucha? Yes. Yes a thousand times!...then I went last weekend. Brought the whole family. Three generations were at that table, ready to eat our favorites. Out of the eight of us, four needed gluten free food. We of course knew about the omnivore changes, but that was okay, because no one is vegan, and we were told that all menu items would still have plant-based choices. Great! The problem was that the menu now only had two gluten free items... Soup and salad.Don't get me wrong, soup and salad is fine, but not when you're expecting spinach artichoke dip and tacos! We asked about it, and our waitress informed us that the restaurant doesn't even have a dedicated gluten free fryer anymore, so even the fries are no longer safe, meaning not even my kids had something to munch on anymore.We left and won't be returning, which is a damn shame, because this place had a vibe and the food to match. Now it's just like every other restaurant.Wishing the business well on its transition, but very sad to no longer be part of the crowd.
DEBBIE BLANTON
Service was great! We sat outside since the weather was nice. Everyone at the table enjoyed what they ordered. My husband got the Trash Burger and loved it. (It’s a big customer favorite we hear!) So nice to have a family meal out where everyone had many choices and left the table satisfied. Will definitely visit this place again soon!Many thanks to the owner for such a greatPlace to eat!
NoahZenger
I used to love this place and my wife and I went pretty regularly. I don't see myself ever going back now that they serve animal products.
I'd rather support a non vegan restaurant that has vegan options than a (formerly) "vegan" restaurant that now has non-vegan options.
Lisa Bernstein
I have long been a fan of Panacea. Their support for the community and kindness is unparalleled. And, that kombucha is soooo delicious!I'm so excited they are revising their menu! While I don't mind vegan...my husband and I will be eating there a lot more with expanded choices! Yay!
Hunter Vetter
Came to visit Wilmington with my family. Two of us are vegan/vegetarian and one of us has no dietary restrictions. This place was PERFECT to accommodate all three of our dietary preferences and had options for everyone. The food was by far some of the best vegan/vegetarian food I’ve ever had! The owner and staff are amazing, sweet and constantly made us feel welcomed at all times! If you’re looking for great food and drinks in Wilmington, regardless of dietary restrictions or not, this needs to be your first stop. You absolutely will not regret it!!!! Thank you all for making our trip and dinner night special!
Linda Rivera
My absolute FAVORITE* place in Wilmington! Such a chill, low-key, relaxed vibe here. The staff, owners, and patrons are all such friendly, beautiful souls!!Food is absolutely amazing, satiating and healthy. Their drinks are also delicious from their hard kombucha to their non-alcoholic drinks.. whatever you like they've got you!!Thursday Night Music Bingo with Jackson is so fun and has become my favorite Thursday night activity!!Love, loveee this place... Cannot rave about it enough!!
Becca U
The portions are huge and the food is delicious. My friends and I sat at the bar and our bartender Kaitlyn was attentive; friendly, and made awesome drinks for us.Highly recommend checking this place out!
Kallie
The food was incredible. I love their updated menu. My vegan friend and I can finally agree on an inclusive place to eat. Our bartender and sever Kaitlyn went above and beyond and provided a fun experience. 10/10 my new favorite spot
Sarah Doss
My friend and I had such a lovely experience tonight! Great food, fun vibe, and friendly staff. We’ll be back!
Love the new menu! Looking forward to bringing family here and having lots of options for all of us. The nachos and So fried chicken sandy were both amazing, and Carrie took great care of us. We even got to have a nice chat with Robin, the owner ? Will absolutely be back!
Cameron Smith
I’ve ate here numerous times and each time has been wonderful with no complaints to speak of. I love their kombucha mimosas and the excellent vegan food. It is quite difficult to run an all vegan restaurant with how tight margins are for food service so I do not blame them one bit for expanding their menu. I cannot wait to try the new items they have added to their menu!
Hilld
Panacea had a few items I liked a lot (like the vegan chicken sandwich), but service/management was never very friendly in my experience. Now that they're no longer going to be a vegan restaurant, they don't really have anything to stand out from the crowded Wilmington dining scene.
AlessiaChristina
I guess I'm not "regular" or "normal" enough to eat here.
Updated from previous review on 2024-03-21
Whitney Chiong
No longer a vegan restaurant. They’ve decided to add dead animals to their menu.
We ate here for dinner and again the next day for brunch. It exceeded the expectations I had of bar food. My boyfriend really enjoyed his gyro with impossible meat, and I really enjoyed the cheesy grits at brunch. The fried pickles were also very good. The tacos I had were just okay for me but I could see other people enjoying them. I didn't order any of the chicken dishes because I think Beyond Chicken is currently one of the worst vegan meats-it has a weird chalky texture. It would be amazing if they switched to a different product such as Delight Soy. Update: I would summarize my experience as 3.5. I previously rounded up because I do appreciate being able to order anything on the menu. I enjoy going to a restaurant and being able to share anything that's ordered. Now that is no longer the case so I have adjusted my 3.5 rating to round down. I haven't eaten here since the change but I am already feeling less enthusiastic about it tbh. The owners are entitled to make their choices but I'm not going to pretend that those choices don't impact customer experience. Obviously, it has a stronger impact on many other vegans, but personally, I don't eat exclusively at vegan restaurants. So it's disappointing, but I'll still stop by when I'm in town and reevaluate my rating then if needed based on the food and overall dining experience. Updated from previous review on 2024-01-06
I used to adore this restaurant. I'm not vegan, but I eat plant-based about 75% of the time, although usually I have to do it from home because I am, unfortunately, in a hate-hate relationship with gluten. This place though? This place had plant based AND gluten free options. Lots of them!The vegan spinach artichoke dip? Devine. The vegan tacos? Superb! Wash it all down with a gluten free kombucha? Yes. Yes a thousand times!...then I went last weekend. Brought the whole family. Three generations were at that table, ready to eat our favorites. Out of the eight of us, four needed gluten free food. We of course knew about the omnivore changes, but that was okay, because no one is vegan, and we were told that all menu items would still have plant-based choices. Great! The problem was that the menu now only had two gluten free items... Soup and salad.Don't get me wrong, soup and salad is fine, but not when you're expecting spinach artichoke dip and tacos! We asked about it, and our waitress informed us that the restaurant doesn't even have a dedicated gluten free fryer anymore, so even the fries are no longer safe, meaning not even my kids had something to munch on anymore.We left and won't be returning, which is a damn shame, because this place had a vibe and the food to match. Now it's just like every other restaurant.Wishing the business well on its transition, but very sad to no longer be part of the crowd.
Service was great! We sat outside since the weather was nice. Everyone at the table enjoyed what they ordered. My husband got the Trash Burger and loved it. (It’s a big customer favorite we hear!) So nice to have a family meal out where everyone had many choices and left the table satisfied. Will definitely visit this place again soon!Many thanks to the owner for such a greatPlace to eat!
I used to love this place and my wife and I went pretty regularly. I don't see myself ever going back now that they serve animal products. I'd rather support a non vegan restaurant that has vegan options than a (formerly) "vegan" restaurant that now has non-vegan options.
I have long been a fan of Panacea. Their support for the community and kindness is unparalleled. And, that kombucha is soooo delicious!I'm so excited they are revising their menu! While I don't mind vegan...my husband and I will be eating there a lot more with expanded choices! Yay!
Came to visit Wilmington with my family. Two of us are vegan/vegetarian and one of us has no dietary restrictions. This place was PERFECT to accommodate all three of our dietary preferences and had options for everyone. The food was by far some of the best vegan/vegetarian food I’ve ever had! The owner and staff are amazing, sweet and constantly made us feel welcomed at all times! If you’re looking for great food and drinks in Wilmington, regardless of dietary restrictions or not, this needs to be your first stop. You absolutely will not regret it!!!! Thank you all for making our trip and dinner night special!
My absolute FAVORITE* place in Wilmington! Such a chill, low-key, relaxed vibe here. The staff, owners, and patrons are all such friendly, beautiful souls!!Food is absolutely amazing, satiating and healthy. Their drinks are also delicious from their hard kombucha to their non-alcoholic drinks.. whatever you like they've got you!!Thursday Night Music Bingo with Jackson is so fun and has become my favorite Thursday night activity!!Love, loveee this place... Cannot rave about it enough!!
The portions are huge and the food is delicious. My friends and I sat at the bar and our bartender Kaitlyn was attentive; friendly, and made awesome drinks for us.Highly recommend checking this place out!
The food was incredible. I love their updated menu. My vegan friend and I can finally agree on an inclusive place to eat. Our bartender and sever Kaitlyn went above and beyond and provided a fun experience. 10/10 my new favorite spot
My friend and I had such a lovely experience tonight! Great food, fun vibe, and friendly staff. We’ll be back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Love the new menu! Looking forward to bringing family here and having lots of options for all of us. The nachos and So fried chicken sandy were both amazing, and Carrie took great care of us. We even got to have a nice chat with Robin, the owner ? Will absolutely be back!
I’ve ate here numerous times and each time has been wonderful with no complaints to speak of. I love their kombucha mimosas and the excellent vegan food. It is quite difficult to run an all vegan restaurant with how tight margins are for food service so I do not blame them one bit for expanding their menu. I cannot wait to try the new items they have added to their menu!
Panacea had a few items I liked a lot (like the vegan chicken sandwich), but service/management was never very friendly in my experience. Now that they're no longer going to be a vegan restaurant, they don't really have anything to stand out from the crowded Wilmington dining scene.
I guess I'm not "regular" or "normal" enough to eat here. Updated from previous review on 2024-03-21
No longer a vegan restaurant. They’ve decided to add dead animals to their menu.