I didn't see any sign there saying that two people going as friends were not allowed inside the restaurant. If you're concerned, we can speak with the manager and clarify that we are there to sample their food for a couple.

[ He. May legitimately think Sanae's talking about an actual "COUPLES ONLY" notice posted somewhere in the restaurant.

Aka he has not a romantic bone in his body and fails to see why she's making a fuss. They aren't going on a date, they're not even going on a not-date and thinking about a date. This is just a reconnaissance mission to determine if the food and setting of the venue is a good fit for Elios' s and Peromei's not-date. ]