I usually love love love this place, but my experience last week was underwhelming. We visited on Friday night and made a reservation for 9:30 through opentable.com, even though we probably didn't need one, as the restaurant was emptying out. \n\nWe usually order a range of the small plates and sushi. Friday was no different. I ordered the TNT roll, tuna tartare, and the rock shrimp tacos. \n\nAfter a long wait, the tuna tartare was served first. It was tasty, but needed some salt. Also, it didn't taste particularly fresh. It should have been served colder. \n\nThe TNT roll was good, but it was not particularly special. \n\nThe shrimp tacos came last. The tiny shrimp were ice cold. We sent them back, even though we never send food back. They served us a fresh set of tacos and they were fine. Nothing special. \n\nTamari has been one of my favorite places to eat in Pittsburgh. The first floor looks shabby. It could use a paint touch up or some deep cleaning. \n\nOur service was off. At times we couldn't find our waiter. \n\nThe weirdest thing was that manager/owner (big man in a big suit) was running around checking on the kitchen and talking to workers, as he has done each time I have visited Tamari. As the kitchen is open to the diners, it stuck me as odd that the big man in the big suit has never ever approached one diner to ask about their experience any time that I have visited.