Two independent pizzerias have secured spots on Yelp’s prestigious Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2025. Much Ado About Pizza, a Shakespeare-themed eatery in Pleasanton, California, earned the No. 40 ranking, while R Town Pizza in Reno, Nevada, followed closely at No. 44.
This marks the second consecutive year that both single-unit restaurants have been featured on Yelp’s nationwide list, which includes a diverse mix of establishments—from pizza joints and sushi bars to food trucks and fine dining venues.
How Yelp Determines Its Top 100
Yelp’s annual ranking goes beyond customer ratings, incorporating review volume and a restaurant’s performance relative to its local dining scene. This means Much Ado About Pizza and R Town Pizza are being recognized alongside standout eateries such as a Pennsylvania arepa kitchen, a Filipino hotspot in Orlando, and a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant in Arizona.
The Story Behind Much Ado About Pizza
Founded by Kira and Mark Zabrowski, Much Ado About Pizza began as a pandemic-era passion project that has since evolved into an award-winning pizzeria. Known for its long-fermented sourdough crust and inventive flavor combinations, the restaurant has also made a significant impact on the local community.
Through initiatives like Shakespeare Shares, the Zabrowskis have supported organizations such as CityServe of the Tri-Valley, Open Heart Kitchen, Goodness Village, and Slice Out Hunger—demonstrating their belief that pizza can be a force for good.
“This recognition isn’t just about us—it’s about our amazing customers, the hardworking team behind the scenes, and the power of a great slice of pizza to bring people together,” said Mark Zabrowski.
In addition to the restaurant’s success, Kira Zabrowski has made a name for herself in the competitive pizza world. She placed fourth in the Non-Traditional category at the 2022 International Pizza Challenge and won second place for Best Traditional Sauce at the 2024 California Pizza Challenge.
R Town Pizza: A Commitment to Quality and Ethics
Founded in March 2022 by Marvin Kinney, a veteran of the restaurant industry, R Town Pizza has quickly become a standout in Reno’s dining scene. In 2023, it was ranked No. 3 in the Reno Gazette Journal’s Community Choice Awards for the city’s best pizza.
Beyond serving Detroit-style pizzas, Kinney has built a restaurant model that prioritizes fair wages and social responsibility. Reno News & Review spotlighted R Town in June 2022, highlighting Kinney’s efforts to challenge outdated restaurant business practices.
“From low wages to practices I liken to slave labor, I’ve made it my mission to upend what I believe are no longer feasible restaurant business models,” Kinney said. He ensures that his employees earn a living wage and actively supports the LGBTQ+ community and people facing food insecurity.
As a leader, Kinney emphasizes mentorship. “I’d rather teach and coach. I want everybody who works here, when they leave here, to feel like they learned something and [that] they become stronger and better with what they’re doing. That’s ultimately my goal,” he said.
A Look at the Pizzerias’ Unique Menus
R Town Pizza is known for its bold, creative pies, including:
The Panopoulos – A tribute to Hawaiian pizza with Detroit cheese blend, Canadian bacon, smoked bacon, pineapple, and Parmesan.
The Robocop – A meaty combination of Detroit cheese blend, soppressata, capicola, smoked bacon, and fennel sausage.
For Mardi Gras 2025, Kinney introduced a jambalaya-inspired pizza, featuring andouille sausage, shrimp, chicken, and a Creole-spiced red gravy.
With their commitment to quality, creativity, and community, both Much Ado About Pizza and R Town Pizza have earned their places among Yelp’s Top 100—proving that independent pizzerias can compete with the best in the nation.
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