Helena Jose

In the bustling heart of North Miami, an unassuming door on Biscayne Boulevard opens to a world where centuries-old Ottoman luxury meets modern-day wellness. Welcome to Hürrem Hammam Wellness & Spa, the country’s first and only authentic Turkish hammam—and tucked within this marble-clad sanctuary lies Topkapi, a full-service restaurant that is redefining what it means to dine in serenity.

Much like the hammam itself, Topkapi draws inspiration from the lavish courts of the Ottoman Empire. Named after Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace—home to generations of sultans—this restaurant channels the spirit of royal feasts with every bite. Guests who step out of a full-body scrub or a hydromassage pool are welcomed into a regal dining experience, complete with soft lighting, intricate detailing, and a menu worthy of Hürrem Sultan herself.

Topkapi’s menu is a rich tapestry of Turkish flavors. From smoky Baba Ganoush and pillowy Turkish Manti (delicate dumplings draped in yogurt and spiced butter) to golden, flaky Baklava, every dish balances authenticity with refinement. There’s a modern elegance in both presentation and preparation—each plate reflecting the same attention to detail and dedication to wellness that defines the spa around it.

But this is no ordinary spa café. Topkapi is the soul of Hürrem, transforming a visit into an all-day retreat where the senses are not just soothed, but celebrated. Guests often begin their day with traditional hammam rituals—scrubs, saunas, and steam—then drift into the dining room to refuel with a nourishing Turkish spread. It’s a seamless blend of healing and indulgence, one that feels surprisingly natural in Miami’s luxury wellness scene.

Founded by Gokhan Yavuzer, a spa industry veteran with decades of experience, Hürrem Hammam was born out of a desire to share the cultural and communal power of Turkish bathing with the U.S. For centuries, hammams were not only places of purification, but gathering hubs—a place where people of all backgrounds came together for rest, rejuvenation, and yes, good food. With Topkapi, that tradition continues.

Spanning 20,000 square feet, Hürrem boasts three grand hammams, seven private treatment rooms (including a couples suite and a steam-equipped VIP room), salt and steam rooms, saunas, a tepidarium, and a luxurious hydromassage pool. But it’s the presence of Topkapi that elevates the experience from a wellness visit to a cultural immersion.

For those seeking more than just a massage or facial, Topkapi at Hürrem Hammam offers a rare opportunity to feast like a sultan, unwind like royalty, and discover a slice of Istanbul in the heart of Miami.