X0201 42003-12-23 0000940944 DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC DRI 0001018577 SWEATT BLAINE III 5900 LAKE ELLENOR DRIVE P.O. BOX 593330 ORLANDO FL 32859-3330 1100EVP Common Stock2003-12-235G0750D356616DCommon Stock2003-12-245G04900D351716DCommon Stock2148.4135ISavings PlanColumn intentionally left blank; a transfer of securities by gift involves no payment of consideration by the recipient of the gift.The 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.Clarence Otis, Jr., Attorney-in-fact for SWEATT, III, BLAINE, 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, P.O. Box 593330, Orlando, FL 32859-3330, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)2003-12-29