Bendita Farandula is an MN restaurant away from the tourist hustle of the very centre,in a small side street close to Plaza de Marti. Run by Adriano, it's a private restaurant with a nice feel and two areas the restaurant and the pizzeria upstairs. (Confusingly there is also an unconnected pizza restaurant next door and they share a common entry, so make sure to turn left as you come in off the street). It's probably the only restaurant in Santiago offering some Baracoan dishes such as pescado con leche de coco (fish cooked with coconut milk, green peppers, onions, a hint of garlic, and a hint of green chilli. Both subtle and flavoursome , this dish was a hit with both of us, as was the pork steak stuffed with ham and cheese in a breadcrumb crust. Served with jucca, a sort of potatoey-cassava-ey vegetable, and white rice, both dishes were excellent. As fish isn't always available in the market, you might need to check ahead if they have it.
A bottle Spanish red topped off the order and was perfectly decent. The staff were efficient and Adriano speaks very good English.
The bill was less than 600MN - 25cuc - before service, making Bendita Farandula even more worth seeking out. And don't forget to write a message on the wall as you leave.