Melody Market is G-6 Markaz in Islamabad, and its food park is a cluster of casual restaurants, barbecue counters and snack stalls that fills up in the evening. It is where many Islamabad families go for karahi, tikka and sajji, and the best time is after dark, roughly 7 to 11 pm according to local guides. In 2026 restaurants and cafes in the capital have been ordered to close at 11 pm, so that is the practical limit.
This guide covers what to eat, when to go and how to get there. We do not quote menu prices, because we could not find figures from a reliable, recent source.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | G-6 Markaz (Civic Centre), Islamabad |
| Best for | Casual evening meals, barbecue, karahi, snacks |
| Best time | Evening, around 7 to 11 pm |
| Closing (June 2026 order) | Restaurants and cafes 11 pm |
| Prices | Vary by restaurant; check the menu before ordering |
What is Melody Market?
Melody Market is the common name for G-6 Markaz, also called the Civic Centre, in sector G-6. Wikipedia says it was designed by a firm of English architects, with construction starting in 1965. It is also home to several government offices.
The food park was set up within the market in the early 2000s (Wikipedia gives 2003, another guide 2002) by the city authority, the CDA. It was meant as a public dining place, and it has stayed popular since.
What to eat
The food park mixes traditional Pakistani places with a few offering Chinese, Thai and Italian dishes. The dishes people usually come for are:
- Karahi, chicken or mutton, cooked in a wok and eaten with naan.
- Barbecue, including malai boti, seekh kebab and charsi tikka.
- Sajji, a slow-roasted whole chicken served with rice.
- Tawa and kat-a-kat dishes, cooked on a hot iron plate.
- Snacks and sweets, such as chaat, samosas, ice cream and traditional mithai.
Names that come up include The Gazebo, known for biryani and barbecue, Choco Palace for ice cream, and Rehmat-e-Shireen for sweets. Eateries change, so read recent reviews.
For breakfast, listings mention halwa puri, but confirm that the stall is open before making the trip. For more places across the capital, see our best food in Islamabad.
The best time to go
Go in the evening. Local guides say 7 to 11 pm is the best window, and it is when the atmosphere and the crowds are at their peak. Weekends are busier. If you want a quieter table, go earlier, around sunset.
Islamabad's administration ordered shops and markets to close at 9 pm and restaurants and cafes at 11 pm in June 2026, as part of austerity measures, with takeaway and delivery exempt (Dawn, 11 June 2026). Some food stalls may fall under different rules, and the order has been revised more than once, so check before a late visit.
Parking and getting there
Melody is in G-6, close to Aabpara, and reachable by taxi or ride-hailing from anywhere in the city. Guides mention paid and street parking but say it is difficult at peak hours. Arrive early or take a taxi. Our guide to the metro bus explains public transport, and our getting around Islamabad guide compares the alternatives.
Combining it with a shopping trip
Aabpara Market, the city's oldest, is nearby in G-6, so a common plan is to shop in the afternoon and eat at Melody once the day cools. With shops closing at 9 pm under the 2026 order, start the shopping by late afternoon and leave the food park for the evening, when restaurants are allowed to stay open later. Our guide to markets in Islamabad compares the markets on this route.
Tips for a good visit
- Look at the menu and ask prices before ordering, especially for main dishes such as karahi, so the bill holds no surprises.
- Choose busy counters, where food turns over quickly.
- Bring cash, as small stalls may not take cards.
- A 2023 article mentioned a planned CDA revamp of the food park, so seating and facilities may have changed.
Is it worth going?
Yes, for an informal evening meal with family or friends. It is loud and crowded, and it is not the place for a quiet or formal dinner. For that, look at Kohsar Market instead (see our Kohsar Market guide). Visit more of the city through our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melody Market famous for?
Its food park, which serves karahi, barbecue, sajji, snacks and sweets in a casual setting.
What time does Melody Food Park open?
Guides say evenings are the best time, from about 7 to 11 pm. Individual restaurants set their own hours, and some open earlier.
Where is Melody Market?
In sector G-6, Islamabad, at G-6 Markaz, also called the Civic Centre.
Is Melody Food Park good for families?
It is a popular family choice, with indoor and outdoor seating, though it gets noisy and crowded at peak times.
Is parking available at Melody Market?
Paid and street parking exist, but they fill up in the evening. A taxi is easier.
