EXHIBIT 32(b)


                            CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Annual Report of Darden Restaurants,  Inc. ("Company") on
Form 10-K for the year  ended May 29,  2005,  as filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission  ("Report"),  I, Linda J. Dimopoulos,  Senior Vice President
and Chief  Financial  Officer of the  Company,  certify,  pursuant  to 18 U.S.C.
ss.1350,  as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the  Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that:

     1.   The Report fully  complies with the  requirements  of Section 13(a) or
          15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2.   The  information  contained  in the  Report  fairly  presents,  in all
          material respects,  the financial  condition and results of operations
          of the Company.



                                          /s/ Linda J. Dimopoulos
                                          ----------------------------
                                              Linda J. Dimopoulos
                                              Senior Vice President and
                                              Chief Financial Officer
                                              July 29, 2005