I've been told that restaurant meals in the US are really expensive, is this true?!

Restaurants in the U.S. vary from cheap to quite expensive and you will certainly find a wide variety in Miami too (unless you hang out with people who only go to certain levels or types of restaurants).

As for steak in particular, yes you could go to a nice restaurant and order a very good steak for around $30 or up (not including drinks + tip) but you could also find them much cheaper than that. Meals featuring chicken, pasta, and other regular meats would usually be a lot less than that level of steak though!

I'm not sure what the exchange rate is these days (and that would matter a lot), but you can certainly eat for a reasonable amount, and even eat a lot of Cuban/etc food for a lot less too, as long as you avoid the really high-priced restaurants.

Here are some ways to eat cheaper in Miami:
http://www.google.com/search?q=restauran…

And here's a search just for "restaurants" in Miami. These days many of the restaurants (even of the fast food variety) will have a website where they'll have a menu and often a price list once you select the exact one you want:
http://www.google.com/searchq=restaurant…

Enjoy Miami....but be aware that it will be hot and humid at that time of year! Lots of air conditioning though, but bring lightweight loose clothing, even shorts/etc, made from natural materials if possible since they breathe better in heat. I'm sure they have water parks there, as well as the beach though. Do watch out for sunburn since you'll probably be outdoors a lot and are a lot closer to the equator and all-sunny weather than your skin is used to in the beginning.

Have a great time!

Traveled in many countries and and also in states in the U.S (including Colorado where husband's family lives), and went on a budget for most of them ,so definitely noticed the prices.

Most restaurants in the US you can get a nice sized meal for under $20. Of course upmarket restaurants cost more.

My wife and I eat at Applebee's restaurant. They have restaurants all over the US and have a two for $20 special. You get an appetizer to share and two full meals and for $20. I usually get steak but there are many choices to choose from. It a great restaurant and a real bargain.

http://www.applebees.com

You can get a steak meal for less than $20 if you go to a chain restaurant. Menus with prices aren't usually posted in the window either in the US.
If you've heard of Rachel Ray, she did a show about eating on $40 a day. You can do better than than if you shop at the grocery and eat your own breakfasts and lunches and go out for dinner. or eat at fast food places.

You could search online for restaurants in the Miami area and see if they have websites with prices. There are some restaurants that don't cost too much, but there are some that are extremely over priced. So it's best to do some research for prices now so you can have an idea of how much money to save up for your trip.

Yes our steak is definitely more expensive than yours. It really depends where you go though. But a steak dinner averages around in the upper twenties maybe. It also depends on what kind you get. So i would save up some extra money for food if i was you.

How much it's going to cost depends on where you're eating. The prices at restaurants can vary, and don't forget the tip.

Some places require a gratuity for large parties, too (this will be noted at the bottom of the menu).

Sounds like you went to Wetherspoons, pubs are much cheaper than restaurants. $12 is about ￡7, my butcher charges me that ffs. I've heard that American portions are much bigger, maybe price reflects this?! You should buy a book of discount vouchers, you can sometimes get them from the tourist board.
Here's a link to a website with advice about eating out in Miami. Some of the restaurants look great: http://miami.about.com/od/restaurantreviews/tp/restaurants.htm
Remember you have to tip in the US. Enjoy your holiday, I'm jealous lol.