Cindy and Michael beat me to it again! They published the first review of new Carlton cafe Le Miel a day before I went for lunch. In the space of the former What about food, and with no external signage, Le Miel opened recently and has a small but tempting menu.

I met a friend there for lunch. As a vegetarian, she had only one choice – petite pumpkin tarts with a green salad ($9.50), which were reported to be good. I had more choice, and selected the beef ragu with cannelloni beans, poached egg, feta and toast ($17). This delicious and quite substantial, so I was impressed.

The coffee, however, was average. It may not be as good as at nearby Lua, and both are eclipsed by Campos. Nonetheless, Le Miel has potential. It is a lovely space, and this is partially why it surprised me that its two predecessors failed. It may be difficult being a more pricey face near campus, yet away from the passing trade of Lygon St. I hope they do better, and I’m sure I will be back.