Flight West has nothing to do with air travel, but the elegant bar and dining scene concept has finally landed after a long seven plus months. The celebrated grand opening is planned for mid-July.
Flight West has been on SOMI magazine’s radar since June 2025. The corner on our historic Dorn Avenue at Sunset and US1 is a prized and treasured location by South Miamians. Many exceptional dining experiences have had a presence on the corner, starting with popular Trattoria Sole some twenty-plus years ago. In May, we got to see what was in the works over the months, met up with key staff, appreciated the bar experience and enjoyed a tasting prepared by the chef.
Flight West opened its doors in mid-May 2026, introducing a restaurant and cocktail lounge concept rooted in New World cuisine and a whiskey-forward beverage program bringing a composed dining and cocktail experience to South Miami through thoughtful hospitality, live-fire cooking, and a strong bar identity.
Flight West Miami represents the next evolution of the original Flight West in Rochester, New York, a restaurant and bar recognized for its curated whiskey program, polished hospitality, and loyal following. It’s SOMI location carries that legacy forward through the lens of South Florida’s culinary and cultural influence.
The experience is designed to evolve naturally throughout the evening. As noted by Joel Morejon, the operations and brand development manager, “we wanted to create a space that feels intentional from every angle, whether guests are joining us for dinner, cocktails, or an evening that naturally turns into both. A big part of the vision was bringing this level of dining and cocktail experience into the South Miami community, allowing people to enjoy it without needing to leave the neighborhood for Brickell, Wynwood, or Downtown.”
The development team wanted the menu and bar program to reflect Miami itself, combining globally influenced cuisine, local ingredients, and a whiskey program built around both familiarity and discovery. The culinary direction for Flight West – Miami was developed in collaboration with Chef Santiago Gomez, known for his modern approach to Mexican cuisine and his work at acclaimed concepts including Cantina La Veinte, Tacology, and Palo Santo. His influence helped shape a menu centered around bold flavor, charcoal-driven execution, and globally influenced New World cooking reflective of Miami’s international dining culture. Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Juan Suazo, a chef with nearly two decades of professional experience across several of South Florida’s most recognized restaurants and who trained under Chef Santiago Gomez. At Flight West, Chef Suazo’s menu emphasizes balanced flavors, live-fire cooking, and dishes designed to be shared while pairing naturally with the beverage program. The menu reflects the restaurant’s broader approach to hospitality.
The bar remains a central pillar of the Flight West identity, featuring a curated collection of whiskey, agave spirits, wine, and classic cocktails executed with precision and consistency. Guests can expect both familiar classics and distinctive selections. The beverage program is further supported by a curated wine list featuring both Old World and emerging producers selected to complement the restaurant’s share-driven approach to dining.
Photos: SOMI Magazine
Flight West brings a new dimension to South Miami’s hospitality landscape, offering a restaurant and cocktail experience grounded in culinary execution, thoughtful service, and a strong sense of place. Whether guests arrive for dinner, cocktails, or an evening that extends beyond the table, Flight West is designed to deliver a level of hospitality typically associated with Miami’s larger dining districts, in a setting that feels more personal and connected to the neighborhood. throughout the evening.
The space was designed by international interior designer Filipao Nunes, whose hospitality portfolio spans projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Natural materials, restrained detailing, and layered lighting create an atmosphere that transitions comfortably from dinner service into a late-evening cocktail environment.
The logo for the Miami location is a big departure from its flagship location in Rochester.
In developing the brand logo for Miami, Joel Morejon wanted a fresher and freer look.
MEET JOEL AND MARWAN
Joel Morejon (right) is the brand development and operations manager for Flight West. The South Miami location marks the brand’s first expansion. GM is Marwan Youbi. South Miamians may recognize a familiar face as he worked at his parents’ Café Bonjour for years.
5894 Sunset Drive | South Miami, FL 33143 | 786.703.5529