News Summary
Jesse Blanco, a notable food critic, celebrates the rise of high-quality steakhouses in Savannah, highlighting improvements at Stone and Webster Chophouse. After years of limited options, Blanco’s experiences reflect a culinary evolution marked by a new generation of dining establishments. The recent growth in local steakhouses demonstrates the community’s growing appetite for upscale dining experiences, encouraging locals to embrace these establishments as Savannah’s food scene flourishes.
Savannah – Jesse Blanco, a seasoned food critic and self-proclaimed steak snob, has recently highlighted the evolution of steakhouses in Savannah, particularly praising the improved offerings at Stone and Webster Chophouse. After 15 years of professional food tasting, Blanco reflects on how the local steak scene has transformed, especially noting an influx of quality dining experiences after years of scarcity.
Blanco’s love for steak dates back to his childhood, which was characterized by family dinners at the Flame Steakhouse in New York City, a well-known establishment located near Times Square. He fondly remembers savoring both his own steaks and those of family members, solidifying his passion for quality beef early on. This enthusiasm drove him to become a connoisseur, learning about proper preparation and various cooking techniques that highlight the richness of beef.
Over the years, Blanco has dined at many celebrated steakhouses across America, including renowned names such as Old Homestead, Keens, Quality Meats, and Peter Luger’s, the latter of which he finds to be overrated. For many years, Savannah’s dining scene lacked a quality steakhouse, with Ruth’s Chris standing as the only prominent option. Reflecting on this, he recalls a short-lived establishment called Bull Street Chophouse, which opened in 2008 but closed due to quality concerns. It wasn’t until around 2014 that Savannah’s food scene began to flourish, although it still lacked a high-caliber independent steakhouse.
In 2021, the opening of Stone and Webster Chophouse in the Plant Riverside district sparked renewed interest in fine steak dining within the city. However, Blanco’s initial visit shortly after the opening did not live up to his expectations, which were guided by the relatively lower price point of their New York strip, priced between $42-43 compared to upwards of $60 at other notable steakhouses. Despite the underwhelming experience, he continued to return to Stone and Webster twice a year, occasionally enjoying bar service and even spotting celebrities like Clint Eastwood.
By December 2024, Blanco began to receive positive feedback from friends about improvements at Stone and Webster. A recent visit in August 2025 marked a turning point in his experience, as he described his family’s meal as exceptional, the best they had enjoyed at the restaurant since its inception. The dining experience featured a range of dishes, including fried calamari, ricotta gnocchi, a pork belly and pear appetizer, as well as various steak options. Each course received high praise for presentation and quality, showcasing the evolution of the establishment.
With a renewed enthusiasm for Stone and Webster, Blanco emphasizes the restaurant as a premier choice for upscale steak dining in Savannah. In addition, he recommends a number of other local steakhouses to support as the city’s culinary scene continues to expand. Among these are The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh, Noble Fare, and 45 Bistro, each offering unique specialties and high-quality fare.
As Savannah’s steakhouse landscape undergoes significant transformation, Blanco encourages locals to support these establishments to cultivate an even richer culinary environment. The progress in restaurant quality reflects a broader trend within the city’s food scene, highlighting the community’s growing appetite for high-quality dining experiences that rival those found in larger metropolitan areas.
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Additional Resources
- Eat It and Like It: A Few Words About Steaks in Savannah
- Wikipedia: Steak
- Stacker: Highest Rated Steak Restaurants in Savannah Area
- Google Search: Steak Restaurants Savannah
- Savannah Now: Restaurant Inspections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Savannah Now: Christmas Day Restaurant Openings
- Google News: Restaurants in Savannah
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
