I'm unaware of any common restaurant (i.e. not fast food) where you can get a full meal for much below $10. Factor in the additional cost of a non-water beverage (soda or beer, for instance) as well as a tip, and it's likely you're spending $15 or more.

This article from BusinessInsider (2015) indicates that the average cost per meal at common "chain restaurants" starts at $12.17. Over half of the restaurants on the list have average meal prices in excess of $15. [1]

[1]: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-it-costs-to-eat-at-...

Dishes are usually $10-$12. Slightly less for some restaurants, but usually at those restaurants I need to order something else as well (e.g. $2 naan at an Indian restaurant or fries at a burger place). Add in tax and 20% tip and it comes out to ~$15.

Huh? Go to a random Asian restaurant in SF and get a stir fry whatever and you're going to be in the $10-$15 range with tax and tip pretty easily.