Most of those types of restaurants are just feeding you cheap, deep fried, slop. If I got to a special occasion restaurant invariably the meals will be small. I'm usually paying for the location, the reputation of the chef and their team, and the presentation of the food. If I wanted deep fried filler I have a skillet and freezer full of that at home.

As an expat dining in the US is stupidly expensive. I've had 3-course lunches at french restaurants that didn't cost more than $20. I consider myself lucky if I can eke $30/pp at the local wingery after food, drinks, taxes, and gratuity.