EXHIBIT 23



KPMG
111 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1600
P.O. Box 3031
Orlando, FL 32802


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form  S-8 (No.  33-92702)  of  Darden  Restaurants,  Inc.  of our  report  dated
September 27, 2002,  relating to the financial  statements of the Darden Savings
Plan for the year  ended  April 30,  2002,  which  appears  in this Form 11-K of
Darden Restaurants, Inc.


                                                              /s/KPMG LLP

Orlando, Florida
October 21, 2002