Exhibit 12 DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollar amounts in thousands) (Unaudited) Quarter Ended - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 29, 2004 August 24, 2003 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (as restated) (as restated) Consolidated earnings from operations before income taxes..................................... $ 108,086 $ 101,977 Plus fixed charges: Gross interest expense.................................. 11,954 11,904 40% of restaurant and equipment minimum rent expense.......................................... 5,989 5,288 ------------------ ------------------ Total fixed charges................................. 17,943 17,192 Less capitalized interest.................................. (903) (1,066) ------------------ ------------------ Consolidated earnings from operations before income taxes available to cover fixed charges.......................................... $ 125,126 $ 118,103 ================== ================== Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges................................................. 6.97 6.87 ================== ================== - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------