DRI Exhibit 23 FY12 10-K

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-169789) and on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-178876, 333-57410, 333-91579, 333-105056, 333-124363, 333-122560, 333-148260, 333-146464, 333-156557 and 333-169788) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. of our reports dated July 20, 2012, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 27, 2012 and May 29, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 27, 2012 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of May 27, 2012, which reports are included in the 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders included as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K of Darden Restaurants, Inc.