This Woman-Owned, Shakespearean-Themed Pizzeria Just Became One of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants—Again!
Much Ado About Pizza, the little Shakespearean pizzeria that could, has done it 
again! For the second year in a row, this Pleasanton, California gem has landed on Yelp’s prestigious Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2025. And let’s be clear: This isn’t some “Best Pizza Joints” list—not that there’s anything less prestigious about those. This is a ranking of all restaurants. We’re talking sushi, tacos, fine dining, food trucks, and whatever molecular gastronomy wizardry people are eating these days. And yet, a small, independent, woman-owned pizzeria, founded by U.S. Pizza Team members Kira and Mark Zabrowski, made the cut. Twice.
Sourdough and Shakespeare—A Recipe for Success
Kira and Mark’s labor of love began as a pandemic-born passion project, which evolved into a full-fledged, award-winning pizzeria known for its long-fermented sourdough crust, bold and balanced flavor combinations, and an unwavering commitment to community. Much Ado About Pizza isn’t just about making great pizza—it’s about giving back. Their Shakespeare Shares initiative and ongoing support for organizations like CityServe of the Tri-Valley, Open Heart Kitchen, Goodness Village and Slice Out Hunger prove that pizza has the power to change lives.
“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.
Yelp’s Selection Process: It’s Not Just About the Stars
For those unfamiliar with how Yelp curates its Top 100, it goes beyond glowing reviews. Sure, ratings matter, but Yelp also considers review volume and how a restaurant performs relative to its surrounding dining scene. In other words, if your pizza place is a beacon of excellence in a land of subpar sandwiches and sad salads, you’re going to stand out.
Yelp’s list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the US 2025, period.
In 2025’s rankings, Much Ado About Pizza landed at #40, rubbing elbows with an arepa kitchen in Pennsylvania, a Filipino hotspot in Orlando, and some Middle Eastern magic in Arizona. California dominated the list (37 out of 100 spots), proving once again that the Golden State knows how to eat. But out of all those, Much Ado stands tall as one of the top-ranked pizza joints in the nation.
From Competition to Culinary Stardom
If you’ve been keeping tabs on Much Ado About Pizza (and let’s be real, you should be), you’ll know this isn’t their first brush with fame. Kira’s been making waves in the competitive pizza world, placing 4th in the Non-Traditional category at the 2022 International Pizza Challenge and 2nd for Best Traditional Sauce at the 2024 California Pizza Challenge. Their expertise isn’t just recognized on Yelp—it’s recognized by the pizza pros.
“Being on Yelp’s Top 100 list for the second year in a row is a testament to the loveand support of our incredible customers, our community, and our passion for crafting high-quality, digestible and delicious pizza,” Kira Zabrowski said.
Much Ado About Pizza isn’t just a great pizzeria. It’s proof that a love for craft, community and quality ingredients can take an independent pizzeria to the top of the national foodscene. And, honestly, if Shakespeare were alive today, he’d probably be writing sonnets about their crust.
So if you haven’t tried Much Ado About Pizza yet, consider this your sign from the pizza gods. Whether you’re in Pleasanton or just planning your next pizza pilgrimage, go grab a slice and experience what all the ado is about.
For more info, check them out at muchadoaboutpizzaca.com or follow their delicious journey on Instagram @muchadoaboutpizza.
Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2025
1. Holbox, Los Angeles
2. Twisted Gyros, Hillsboro, Oregon
3. De Babel, Scottsdale, Arizona
4. Phonomenal, National City, California
5. Chellas Arepa Kitchen, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
6. Wally’s Cafe, Rocklin, California
7. Aroy Mak Thai Food, Seattle, Washington
8. The Good Salad, Santa Clara, California
9. Amy’s French Bakery & Bistro, Pompano Beach, Florida
10. Kaya, Orlando, Florida
11. Shlap Muan Wings, Long Beach, California
12. Sierra Subs And Salads, Three Rivers, California
13. Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen, High Point, North Carolina
14. Beyer Deli, San Diego, California
15. Berry Brand, Tustin, California
16. Georgetown Seafood, Washington, D.C.
17. Jack Of Cups Saloon, Folly Beach, South Carolina
18. West Coast Cheesesteaks, Glendora, California
19. Milpa, Las Vegas
20. Gohan Japanese Cuisine, Southington, Connecticut
21. Guy’s For Lunch, Roseville, California
22. New Village Gastro Pub, Northbrook, Illinois
23. Sunbliss Cafe, Anaheim, California
24. Dos Mundos, Newberg, Oregon
25. Tatsumi Sushi, Austin, Texas
26. Shawarma Guys, La Mesa, California
27. Tai He Ju, El Monte, California
28. Degthai, Nashville, Tennessee
29. MAZRA, Redwood City, California
30. DMV Taqueria, Columbia, Maryland
31. GONZO! Ramen, Carlsbad, California
32. EBESU Robata & Sushi, Plano, Texas
33. Big Jims Roast Beef, San Diego, California
34. Baja Cafe, Tucson, Arizona
35. Freeman’s Grub & Pub, Greensboro, North Carolina
36. Pastosa By Lucia, Galt, California
37. Baba Kabob, San Diego
38. Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe, Tucson, Arizona
39. Genova Bakery, Stockton, California
40. Much Ado About Pizza, Pleasanton, California
41. La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood, Tucson, Arizona
42. Lord Empanada, Monrovia, California
43. Toasted Gastrobrunch, Las Vegas
44. R Town Pizza, Reno, Nevada
45. Cardelli’s Italian Market Deli & Catering, Riverside, California
46. Rosemarie’s Burgers, San Diego
47. Tim’s Po-Boys and Wings, Hawthorne, New Jersey
48. North Shore Plate Lunch, Norco, California
49. Jashan, Nashville, Tennessee
50. Heirloom, Fresno, California
51. Mike’s Chicken, Dallas
52. Twice Removed, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
53. The Riv, The Dalles, Oregon
54. Lawrence Fish Market, Chicago
55. Sindoore – Indian By Nature, Nashville, Tennessee
56. Tito & Pep, Tucson, Arizona
57. West Coast Taco Bar, Elk Grove, California
58. Doctor Kustom, Tulsa, Oklahoma
59. El Green-Go’s, Anchorage, Alaska
60. Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Houston
61. Nick’s Old Fashioned Hamburger House, Lexington, North Carolina
62. Odd Duck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
63. Fresh Tiki Bar, Somerville, New Jersey
64. Daddy Ji, Claremont, California
65. Chüyz Taco Shop, San Diego
66. Penelope, Tucson, Arizona
67. Cha Menya, Douglaston, New York
68. Hachi, Las Vegas
69. 1608 Crafthouse, Virginia Beach, Virginia
70. The Parish, Tucson, Arizona
71. La Copine, Yucca Valley, California
72. Virtue Restaurant, Chicago
73. Aunts et Uncles, New York, New York
74. Taqueria El Compa, Roseville, MIchigan
75. Paju, Seattle
76. Yorienn Korean Fried Chicken & Yori Shop of Carrollton, Carrollton, Texas
77. Side Piece Kitchen, Tacoma, Washington
78. Slater’s 50/50, Las Vegas
79. Saizon, Fresno, California
80. Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe, Kenilworth, New Jersey
81. Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup, San Mateo, California
82. The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque, Trophy Club, Texas
83. Top Sushi & Oyster 2, Las Vegas
84. Yellowbelly, St. Louis, Missouri
85. Single Fin Surf Grill, San Diego
86. Noodle Box Kitchen, Reno, Nevada
87. Wafaa N Mike Cafe, Jacksonville, Florida
88. The Mayor’s House by Selda, Dallas
89. Prime 141, Enterprise, Nevada
90. Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill, Honolulu
91. Fat Salmon, Philadelphia
92. Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano, California
93. Rintaro, San Francisco
94. Burma Superstar, San Francisco
95. Engawa Fusion, Sacramento, California
96. Ambli Global Cuisine – DTC, Denver
97. The Art of Donut, San Antonio, Texas
98. Takara Sushi & Asian Bistro, Cedar Park, Texas
99. OC Taco, Oregon City, Oregon
100. Pasta Moon, Half Moon Bay, California
