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Restaurants Cooks Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Cook

Ontario, CA

$12 - $15.50/hr

... dining restaurants, Panda Express, our Gourmet Chinese food concept served in a fast casual ... Essential functions: - Cook ingredients for all menu items as assembled by the Apportioner ...

Line Cook

Norco, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Our Family-Owned Restaurant is looking to hire Line Cooks. Duties will include prepping meals by weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients, cooking meals, checking ingredients for freshness, and ...

Line Cook

Norco, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Our Family-Owned Restaurant is looking to hire Line Cooks. Duties will include prepping meals by weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients, cooking meals, checking ingredients for freshness, and ...

Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Upland, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Norco, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Hesperia, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Highland, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Chino, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Hemet, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

Cook

Chino, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor and correct cleanliness of the restaurant. Cooks are responsible for exhibiting a friendly, enthusiastic attitude while performing job assignments, showing a caring attitude for guests and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Restaurants Cooks information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do restaurants cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurants cooks in Riverside, CA is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges restaurant cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they be managed?

During peak service times, restaurant cooks often encounter challenges such as managing multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining consistency in food quality, and working efficiently under pressure. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks based on order tickets. Many kitchens use a brigade system, ensuring each cook has a defined role, which helps streamline operations. Developing strong time management skills and remaining calm under pressure are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

What are restaurant cooks?

Restaurant cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and cook food in restaurants and other dining establishments. They are responsible for following recipes, ensuring food safety standards, and maintaining the quality and presentation of dishes. Cooks may specialize in certain types of cuisine or work in different areas of the kitchen, such as grilling, frying, or baking. Their work is essential to the smooth operation of a restaurant and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Restaurant Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure food quality, safety, and smooth kitchen operations, which are crucial for customer satisfaction and restaurant success.

What is the difference between Restaurants Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectRestaurants CooksLine Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens in restaurants, hotels, or cateringFast-paced restaurant kitchens, often on the line during service
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, food service establishments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for kitchen roles, skills, and responsibilitiesSpecialized role within the kitchen team, focusing on specific stations

Restaurants Cooks and Line Cooks both work in restaurant kitchens, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. However, Restaurants Cooks may have broader responsibilities, including prep and supervision, while Line Cooks focus on specific stations during service. Both roles are essential in the food service industry and frequently compared by employers and job seekers.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurants Cooks jobs in Riverside, CA? For Restaurants Cooks jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurants Cooks jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurants Cooks jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Restaurants Cooks jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Restaurants Cooks job openings:
Infographic showing various Restaurants Cooks job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,782 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$12 - $15.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you Craving a Career? Ready for Growth? COME SEE WHY PANDA MIGHT BE THE RIGHT PLACE!

At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." We invest in our people because great people run great operations that will exceed our guests' expectations. Talk to any of our associates and you will experience a culture dedicated to its mission and our five fundamental values- Proactive, Respect/Win-Win, Growth, Great Operations, and Giving. Panda Restaurant Group includes the original Panda Inn fine dining restaurants, Panda Express, our Gourmet Chinese food concept served in a fast casual environment, and Hibachi San, our Japanese grill concept. The family owned and operated company is still run by founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to management. We have restaurant positions available nationwide and support center positions in Rosemead, CA. Come join the nation's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant company. Our continued growth in this location has created new career opportunities for Management, Crew Members, and Kitchen Team Members!!! Come join us!


Summary of Job Expectations:

- Preparation of all stir-fry dishes, especially those requiring advanced skill, according to company recipes, guest orders and relevant health regulations.

Essential functions:

- Cook ingredients for all menu items as assembled by the Apportioner

- Respond promptly to Apportioner, correctly identifying the dish to be cooked from the ingredients assembled, and preparing it promptly

- Adjust seasoning, cooking procedures and times as needed to meet Company standards for color, flavor and aroma

- Execute Company recipes and procedures for all dishes

- Mix sauces and marinades according to Company recipes and procedures; ensure an adequate supply of these at all times

- Follow local health department regulations in food handling, preparation & storage

- Operate all kitchen equipment (range, BBQ, oven, deep fryer, knives, etc.) in a safe manner

- Assist management to develop menu specials, by suggesting, testing and refining effective recipes

- Assist the management team in training the hourly staff and ensure a smooth back of the house operations

- Assist others in preparing ingredients and cooking dishes to ensure adequate supplies

- Assist Kitchen Manager or Assistant Kitchen Manager to count and control inventory

- Assist the manager to receive all delivered good, check samples for freshness/quality, check delivery against order


Job Requirements:

- Lift 20 lbs with one hand, stand without sitting for up to 5 hours, reach at least 36" horizontally or vertically

- Handle small and medium size woks for up to 4 hours continuously

- Perform repetitive cutting/slicing motions at high speed and in a safe manner using a Chinese cook's knife

- Practice good personal hygiene at all times

- Follow instructions and procedures without deviation through many repetitions and without constant supervision

- Work under pressure at peak periods

- Attention to details of food quality, preparation & presentation

How we reward you:**


  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates 
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.


ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.


Pay Range: $21 per hour - $24 per hour


*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.