Wildlife warrior Robert Irwin has made good on his promise to return to a restaurant and pay for a salad he accidentally forgot to settle during a fan frenzy.

The 21-year-old was back at The Jetty Pavilion at Coffs Harbour, NSW, on Frieday, joking “Crime doesn’t pay — hahahahaha!” as he arrived to make things right.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Robert Irwin pays restaurant bill after dining mishap

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

During his east coast road trip, Irwin stopped for a takeaway salad but got caught up greeting excited fans.

“The next morning I wake up and realise... I never paid for my salad! I just did the old dine and dash!” he admitted.

‘I’m a man of my word’

After his Instagram apology went viral, Irwin promised to return and pay up.

“I’m a man of my word... I said I was gonna pay for the salad... so I’m here to do just that.”

The restaurant had declined his offer to pay over the phone, saying they just wanted a positive review.

“He is 100 per cent the real deal... he’s everything we hoped he’d be,” the owners said.

Business booming

Irwin’s Instagram shout-out to his 7.6 million followers has sent business through the roof, with a 50 per cent increase in just one week.

“Surreal... the outreach from something so simple has been overwhelming,” the owners said.

The restaurant even offered to name a salad after him.

“Hopefully it encourages a few more people to come and experience this place,” Irwin said.

Bill finally settled

With cameras rolling, Irwin completed his payment with relief.

“It went through! We got a tick ha ha!”

He even left a generous tip before declaring: “I definitely paid!! I’m outta here.”