Cannonball

Award-Winning Chef Matt Molina Opens Cannonball, a Charming South Pasadena Bistro | Eater LA

"Opened May 2 by Hippo chef Matt Molina and partner Joe Capella, this sprawling multi-floor restaurant occupies the former Piccolo space and pairs original brick walls with a moody, East Coast/London–inspired interior and a cheerful patio. The menu leans on classic American dishes—Molina’s signature flaky biscuits with honey butter and a single-patty ground‑chuck burger with Tillamook cheddar—alongside starters such as shaved celery salad with medjool dates, roasted carrots with cumin vinaigrette, and fideos with clams, chorizo, and saffron; mains include a $23 burger with fries, barbecue pork loin with Anson Mills polenta, grilled prawns, and New York steak with pommes aligot, while dessert is an olive cake with crème fraîche. Prices are relatively approachable for a new LA spot (most starters $12–$24; glasses of wine $14–$17), and Capella’s wine program emphasizes bottles priced to drink now and regular inventory turnover with many selections competitive versus online retail. Cocktails, developed with input from Eric Alperin and led by bartender Wolfgang Alexander, reflect a Milk & Honey‑influenced approach with playful riffs on classics (for example, a Raymond Hill Manhattan variation). With seasonal, locally sourced produce and thoughtful beverage curation, the restaurant offers grown-up, approachable dining that has quickly brightened South Pasadena’s scene; it currently operates evenings Thursday through Monday with reservations available on Resy." - Matthew Kang