X0201 42003-10-07 0000940944 DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC DRI 0001018577 SWEATT BLAINE III 5900 LAKE ELLENOR DRIVE P.O. BOX 593330 ORLANDO FL 32859-3330 1100EVP Common Stock2003-10-074M0254197.407A371353DCommon Stock2003-10-074F01398719.065D357366DCommon Stock2148.4135ISavings PlanStock Option (Right to Buy)7.4072003-10-074M0254190D1993-09-202003-10-20Common Stock254190DThe number of shares reported is based on a plan statement dated September 30, 2003, and is derived from an undivided interest in a fund consisting of both Darden common stock and a small cash position that fluctuates from time to time. The number of shares reported may change based on the size of the cash position at the time of reporting.The option vested in five equal annual installments beginning 9/20/93.Douglas E. Wentz, Attorney-in-fact for SWEATT, III, BLAINE, 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, P.O. Box 593330, Orlando, FL 32859-3330, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)2003-10-09