The Cove Little Elm offers a culinary experience that perfectly blends casual dining with sophisticated flavors, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and families alike. Located in the heart of Little Elm, this restaurant prides itself on delivering a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, from hearty comfort foods to fresh, light options.
Whether you are craving classic American dishes, innovative seafood creations, or plant-based alternatives, The Cove’s food menu is thoughtfully crafted to satisfy every palate.
What sets The Cove apart is its dedication to quality ingredients and bold flavors, ensuring that every dish served bursts with freshness and authenticity. The atmosphere complements the menu perfectly, offering a relaxed yet inviting setting that encourages guests to linger over their meals and enjoy the company of friends and family.
With a focus on seasonal produce and locally sourced items, The Cove Little Elm food menu continually evolves, promising new taste adventures with each visit.
From appetizers that ignite the appetite to desserts that provide the perfect sweet finish, The Cove’s diverse selection is designed to delight. This exploration of their menu reveals an impressive variety of options, each prepared with care and creativity, ensuring that every dining experience is memorable and enjoyable.
Starters and Appetizers
The starters at The Cove Little Elm are crafted to provide a tantalizing preview of the flavors to come. These dishes are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light beginning to your meal.
The menu offers a selection that ranges from classic comfort to innovative small plates, designed to appeal to a broad audience.
One of the standout features of the appetizer section is the emphasis on fresh, bold ingredients that are balanced to awaken the palate. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to complement the main courses and set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.
Popular choices include their signature crab cakes, which are packed with lump crab meat and served with a zesty remoulade sauce. The crispy calamari, lightly breaded and fried to perfection, comes with a side of house-made marinara that offers a rich, tangy contrast.
Appetizer Highlights
- Signature Crab Cakes: Lump crab meat, remoulade sauce, fresh herbs
- Crispy Calamari: Lightly breaded, served with marinara and lemon wedges
- Loaded Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and sour cream
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy blend served warm with toasted pita
“The appetizers at The Cove are more than just starters—they’re an experience that sets the stage for every meal.”
Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking lighter options, The Cove Little Elm offers a variety of fresh salads and small plates that emphasize wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. These dishes are perfect for a midday meal or as a refreshing accompaniment to a larger entrée.
The salads combine crisp greens with a range of toppings, from grilled chicken and shrimp to seasonal fruits and nuts, ensuring a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Dressings are made in-house, crafted to enhance without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Healthy choices do not compromise on flavor here; instead, they elevate simple ingredients through thoughtful preparation and presentation.
Popular Salad Selections
- The Cove House Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, balsamic vinaigrette
- Grilled Chicken Caesar: Romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, creamy Caesar dressing
- Berry and Walnut Salad: Spinach, strawberries, blueberries, candied walnuts, poppy seed dressing
- Seared Ahi Tuna Salad: Mixed greens, sesame seeds, ginger dressing, avocado slices
| Salad | Main Protein | Calories (approx.) |
| The Cove House Salad | None | 220 |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar | Chicken | 450 |
| Berry and Walnut Salad | None | 350 |
| Seared Ahi Tuna Salad | Tuna | 400 |
Entrees: Seafood Specials
The Cove Little Elm shines in its seafood offerings, presenting dishes that highlight the freshness and versatility of oceanic ingredients. The seafood entrees are a favorite among patrons who appreciate the delicate flavors and expert preparation.
From succulent shrimp to flaky white fish, the menu features several dishes that are both hearty and refined. The chefs emphasize sustainable sourcing and seasonality, ensuring that only the best seafood makes it to your plate.
Each dish is paired thoughtfully with sides and sauces that enhance the natural qualities of the seafood without overwhelming them.
Seafood Favorites
- Grilled Gulf Shrimp: Marinated in citrus and herbs, served with garlic mashed potatoes
- Blackened Redfish: Cajun-spiced, paired with roasted vegetables and a lemon butter sauce
- Seafood Pasta: Linguine with shrimp, scallops, and clams in a white wine garlic sauce
- Fish Tacos: Grilled white fish with cabbage slaw and chipotle aioli
“Every bite of our seafood dishes reflects our commitment to freshness and culinary excellence.”
Classic American Favorites
For those who prefer traditional American cuisine, The Cove offers a robust selection of classic dishes executed with a modern twist. These entrees provide comfort and familiarity while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
From hand-pressed burgers to succulent steaks, the menu balances hearty portions with innovative flavor combinations. The use of fresh, local ingredients elevates these familiar favorites beyond the ordinary.
Accompaniments such as house-made sauces and freshly prepared sides add depth to each dish, creating balanced meals that satisfy.
Signature American Dishes
- The Cove Burger: Angus beef, cheddar, bacon, house sauce, served with fries
- BBQ Ribs: Slow-cooked pork ribs with tangy barbecue sauce and coleslaw
- Grilled Ribeye: 12 oz steak, garlic butter, seasonal vegetables
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: Crispy chicken breast, pickles, spicy mayo on a brioche bun
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Recommended Side |
| The Cove Burger | Angus beef, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato | French fries |
| BBQ Ribs | Pork ribs, barbecue sauce, coleslaw | Baked beans |
| Grilled Ribeye | Ribeye steak, garlic butter, herbs | Roasted vegetables |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | Chicken breast, pickle, spicy mayo, brioche bun | Sweet potato fries |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The Cove Little Elm embraces inclusivity with a thoughtfully curated selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or creativity. These options showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients and cater to diverse dietary preferences.
Each item is prepared with care to provide satisfying textures and rich tastes, proving that meatless meals can be both nourishing and indulgent. Seasonal vegetables, grains, and legumes form the backbone of these dishes.
Whether you follow a strict vegan diet or simply enjoy exploring plant-forward meals, The Cove offers choices that are both exciting and fulfilling.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
- Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl: Mixed greens, avocado, lemon tahini dressing
- Vegan Burger: Black bean patty, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, vegan aioli
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts
- Cauliflower Wings: Crispy baked, served with vegan ranch dipping sauce
“Plant-based doesn’t mean compromising on taste—it means unlocking new layers of flavor.”
Desserts and Sweet Endings
The dessert menu at The Cove Little Elm offers the perfect conclusion to any meal, with a selection of treats that range from classic favorites to innovative creations. Each dessert is crafted to provide a satisfying balance of sweetness and texture.
Rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and creamy elements are combined in ways that delight the palate while complementing the earlier courses. The menu changes seasonally, introducing new options that reflect current trends and local flavors.
Whether you prefer a decadent slice of cake or a lighter fruit-based dessert, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Dessert Favorites
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey center, served with vanilla ice cream
- Key Lime Pie: Tart and creamy, with a graham cracker crust
- Seasonal Fruit Crisp: Fresh fruit topped with oat crumble, served warm
- Cheesecake: Classic New York style, with berry compote
| Dessert | Main Flavors | Recommended Pairing |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Chocolate, vanilla | Espresso or port wine |
| Key Lime Pie | Lime, cream, graham cracker | Light white wine or herbal tea |
| Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Fresh fruit, oat crumble | Chardonnay or chamomile tea |
| Cheesecake | Cream cheese, berries | Raspberry liqueur or black coffee |
Beverages and Specialty Drinks
The Cove Little Elm’s beverage menu is designed to complement its food offerings with a wide array of options, from handcrafted cocktails to non-alcoholic refreshments. The selection is carefully curated to enhance the dining experience.
Cocktail creations showcase seasonal ingredients and inventive combinations, while the wine list offers both local and international labels to suit every taste. Non-alcoholic options include fresh juices, artisanal sodas, and specialty coffees.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, the beverage menu provides thoughtful pairings and refreshing choices that elevate every occasion.
Signature Drinks
- The Cove Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime, mint garnish
- Seasonal Sangria: Red or white wine infused with fresh fruit
- House Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemons, hint of mint
- Cold Brew Coffee: Smooth and rich, served over ice
“Our drinks are crafted to be the perfect companion to your meal, enhancing flavors and creating memorable moments.”
Exploring The Cove Little Elm food menu reveals a commitment to culinary excellence and a passion for creating an inviting dining environment. From starters to desserts, each dish is a testament to fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and creative flair.
Whether you favor seafood, classic American fare, or plant-based delights, the menu offers something to excite every taste bud.
The thoughtful pairing of food and beverage, combined with an attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere, ensures that every visit to The Cove is a rewarding experience. Its evolving menu reflects a dedication to seasonal freshness and customer satisfaction, making it a restaurant that invites guests to return time and again.
Ultimately, The Cove Little Elm is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for food lovers seeking quality, variety, and a memorable taste adventure in the vibrant community of Little Elm.
