Three men on working holiday visas ordered the most expensive meals on the menu and knocked back cocktails before doing a runner from a Blenheim restaurant.

But their lavish spending had the restaurant owner suspicious, and he was ready to give chase when they popped outside for a cigarette.

Belgian nationals Pierre Troude-Chasteret, Tobias Belge Kauten and Remy Savary had been in Marlborough to fund their trip around the country.

Police said the three men went to Lemongrass Restaurant, on Maxwell Rd, on Thursday evening.

They racked up a bill of $311.50.

The owner was suspicious as he had foreigners dine and dash in the past, the summary of facts said.

After the men went outside to have a cigarette, he saw them running down the street.

He ran out the door to chase them and the police were called.

When spoken to by police, the men said they had no money and just wanted a nice meal.

The men appeared at the Blenheim District Court on Monday, admitting a joint charge of obtaining by deception.

Troude-Chastaret's lawyer John Holdaway said his client was very embarrassed and regretted his actions.

The 21-year-old worked fulltime as a vineyard worker and could pay reparation, he said.

Kauten's lawyer Bryony Miller said the Belgian national could pay reparation and could do community work.

The 25-year-old planned to stay in New Zealand for a further two months to work and travel, she said.

Savary's lawyer David Neild said the 22-year-old could pay reparation and would prefer a financial penalty.

Judge Mark Callaghan convicted the men and ordered them to pay $104 each in reparation.

"The escapade of trying to get a free meal has ended up with you getting convictions, and that may well have some impact on your visas and your ability to stay in New Zealand," Judge Callaghan said.