Robert Irwin has issued an apology to a popular Coffs Harbour restaurant after dining and dashing, with the owners responding online.

Robert Irwin has turned an awkward dining moment into a show of generosity after accidentally leaving a NSW restaurant without paying.

The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist shared the story with his 7.6 million Instagram followers on Sunday, calling it an honest mistake.

“Hi guys, Robert here – so I have a funny story,” he began in a video posted to his account.

The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist shared the story with his 7.6 million Instagram followers on Sunday, calling it an honest mistake. Picture: Instagram @robertirwinphotography
The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist shared the story with his 7.6 million Instagram followers on Sunday, calling it an honest mistake. Picture: Instagram @robertirwinphotography

“I’m road-tripping down the East Coast of Australia at the moment and I stopped in at Coffs Harbour, which is a beautiful coastal town in northern NSW, for a bit of dinner.”

Irwin said he ducked into the bustling Jetty Pavilion for a takeaway salad, but the visit quickly turned into a scene.

“It was packed,” he said.

“There were a lot of people who saw me and said G’day and wanted to have a photo … which is all good. But it turned into a bit of a frenzy-  a little bit of a flurry there for a minute.”

After taking his food and chatting with fans, Irwin said he said goodbye to everyone and left, completely forgetting to pay.

“I did the old dine and dash, and I didn’t even realise I’d done it,” he admitted.

“I felt terrible.”

The next morning, Irwin contacted the restaurant as soon as he realised the error, offering to pay remotely.

Robert Irwin at Australia Zoo. Picture: Luke Reavley
Robert Irwin at Australia Zoo. Picture: Luke Reavley

“They said: ‘We love what you do, it’s all good, sorry for the mix-up-  just leave us a good review’,” Irwin said.

“So I said, ‘Guys, Jetty Pavilion, I’m going to do you one better’.”

Urging his followers to support the venue, Irwin gave the restaurant a glowing plug online: “Fantastic local business, great team, great food, amazing atmosphere- that’s my review.”

He also promised to return in person.

“I’ll be coming back up through Coffs Harbour and I’ll give you the money myself,” he said.

“Today is not the day I start my life of crime, as much as the tabloids would love that, it’s not happening,” he joked.

The owners of Jetty Pavilion responded warmly after spotting the video post.

“Thank you soooo much for visiting our venue- we’re honestly blown away,” they wrote.

“Being from a humble little coastal town, it means the world to us to have you stop by.

“We’re all huge fans, and truly appreciate the shout-out.”

Telling Irwin “not to stress about missing the payment”, the team cheekily added: “We might even have to name a salad after you.”

Robert’s older sister Bindi, 26, also joined in the fun, commenting: “Followed! Yay @jettypavilioncoffs”.

Fans praised Irwin for turning the slip-up into a heartwarming moment.

“As a small business owner, I can confirm that you just did the absolute most WONDERFUL thing for them by doing this!! Such a kind (and life-changing) gesture,” one user wrote, gaining over 1,200 likes at time of writing.

“That is the absolute cutest and most honest thing I’ve seen all day,” said another.

A third follower added: “Do I live in Australia? No, I live in the US. Did I follow the small business anyways? Of course.”