<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAY-27-2001
<PERIOD-START> MAY-29-2000
<PERIOD-END> AUG-27-2000
<CASH> 32,381
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 27,759
<ALLOWANCES> (350)
<INVENTORY> 176,066
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 316,734
<PP&E> 2,659,688
<DEPRECIATION> (1,034,072)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,046,330
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 673,295
<BONDS> 303,660
0
0
<COMMON> 1,362,694
<OTHER-SE> (390,486)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,046,330
<SALES> 1,018,205
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,018,205
<CGS> 331,037
<TOTAL-COSTS> 789,170
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 40
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6,274
<INCOME-PRETAX> 87,838
<INCOME-TAX> 30,917
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 56,921
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 56,921
<EPS-BASIC> .47
<EPS-DILUTED> .46
</TABLE>