Valdez has been on my must go to restaurant list for a long time and unfortunately I found it underwhelming. The atmosphere was amazing, had a great latin feel and the patio looked nice but there is a first come first serve bases. the restaurant was busy so we felt the service was rushed and wasn't the friendliest I've had in Toronto. I had made a simple request to ask if the fried egg with out dish could be put on the side due to a dietary restriction at our table but the server said the kitchen wouldn't do so and if they did it would cause a back log in the kitchen (really? The power of one egg can back log a kitchen? ok sure.)
When the food came, it wasn't the greatest I've had. Not to stay it was horrible but I didn't believe it was worth what the restaurant was asking for. The Scallop Ceviche was good but small for a full portion, the brisket hash was under seasoned and the Picada which sounded great was disappointing. The beef was tough, the wings did not have alot of favour but the home made chorizo sausage saved the dish. However, the best dish of the night was the Caufa sin carne, a fried rice with eggs, mushroom, tofu and edamame bursting with flavor.
Overall, if you're looking for a place to hang out and grab a drink this is place has a great atmosphere. But if you're here to eat and have a long wait, I'd suggest going somewhere else.