I was in Rome in late August a few years ago, and many places often recommended were closed.
My nicest upscale meal was at Roscioli. https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/en/home-english/
I enjoyed trying Gabriele Bonci’s pizza at the Mercato Centrale food hall near Termini. Looks like his stall is no longer there. https://www.mercatocentrale.com/rome/
I hope to try Cesare al Casoletto, Al Moro and Armando al Pantheon some day.
I liked that one too, although it’s been several years, maybe 2016, and we ate downstairs.
I was able to book online, which I suspect was a major draw at the time.
Looks like I need to push myself to get over my fear of that basement locale! Maybe if I’m there with a companion, I’d be okay! Alone, I’ll stick to the counter! 
I’ll also be there in August. I have been to Rome numerous times and have hit many of the talked-about/blogged-about spots. But I’ve never visited in August. I’ll be following this thread and will post if I find info about what’s open/closed when.
We sat among wine bottles.
Here’s my daughter, demonstrating what she learned about how to present a bottle.
For reference:
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina [Rome, Centro Storico]
Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto [Rome, Monteverde]
I thought I posted photos from Roscioli, but it looks like I only posted photos from Tuscany and Umbria.
Slacker! 
Thank you, ninkat - Babette is an excellent idea for when we arrive and are getting our bearings! Appreciate you taking the time for the other recommendations -getting excited!
Thank you again for all the input! I’ve now got one night left to book and was wondering if there might be a ‘modern’ Italian option for dinner someone could recommend?
Retrobottega is more “modern” Italian. The “restaurant” offers only a tasting menu, but the wine bar/cafe/bistro has an a la carte menu, and maybe more importantly to keep in your back pocket, it is open continuously from morning through dinner time. I’ve only eaten in the restaurant (New Year’s eve 2022, great fun for me), but I would think the food in the wine bar would be good.
Also Santo Palato looks much like a classic trattoria, but newish with a female chef and often interesting takes on classics, might be appealing to you.
I haven’t been to Baccano yet. Katie Parla mentioned Chef Nabil Hadj Hassan has moved from Roscioli to Baccano.
https://www.baccanoroma.com/menu/
I dined at Retrobottega a number of years ago (maybe 5?) and it was great. I’m glad to hear it is still good. Again, it’s been years, but in the past I enjoyed Antico Arco on a few occasions for modern-ish food in a relaxed setting.
Il Tempio di Iside - is our favorite for seafood in Rome.
http://isideristorante.it/home.html
Many thanks - looks good!
Thank you - booked!
Rome Report
Thank you all for the advice and recommendations - we have just returned from our trip and thought i’d offer a little feedback. Obviously, we couldn’t try all the recommendations and were somewhat limited by opening availability and the days we were available especially being there during the holiday period.
Sunday - Antico Arco
The place was pumping! What a delightful evening, attentive staff, classic cuisine with a few twists and a great view over Rome from the nearby park.
Monday - Tullio
Might be past its prime. Service perfunctory, the food was alright but nothing special and prices had more to do with its reputation than value - a little disappointing.
Tuesday - Brillo Restaurant (via della Fontonella)
A recommendation (not from HO) which i wish we had overlooked. Wanted a simple casual evening and we got simple alright! Very poor service, torn/worn menus and very average food. Seated outside (our request) constantly worrying if the numerous paswsing cars were going to hit us or the adjacent wall.
Wednesday - Babette
Probably our best meal in Rome! Great attentive service, interesting menu with excellent food in a delightful courtyard setting - thank you ninkat for the recommendation.
Roscioli Salumeria was high on our list to try but a reservation proved too elusive. so many places still to try so can’t wait to return! Thank you again to all for the advice in making our trip so memorable!
Glad to know Babette is still good! It’s been a while since I have been, but going to be in Rome for T’giving with a cousin who has never been, and thinking of doing Thanksgiving dinner there. Nice big menu, lots of delicious things to choose from, as I recall.
