Ian McAndrew of Blackaddie House Hotel near Sanquhar took the honours at the CIS Excellence Awards, presented at The Hilton in Glasgow.
The 63-year-old saw off stiff competition to scoop the coveted award which in its 13th year is widely regarded as the top prize in Scottish cookery.
Ian has been runner-up three times at the awards — where other winners include Tom Kitchin, Martin Wishart and Tony Singh.
Having been named Britain’s youngest Michelin Star winner in 1980 when he was just 27, Ian said: “I am delighted to have been named Chef of the Year.
“I must admit I was quite surprised to win as I have been the runner-up so many times.
“I thought it was a case of always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”
McAndrew has won a Michelin star no fewer than eight times in his 47-year career as a chef.
It is also a double celebration for the hotelier,as his hotel, Blackaddie House on the outskirts of Sanquhar, near Dumfries, recently gained four star status with VisitScotland after a major refurbishment.
Ian, who runs the hotel with wife Jane, said: “It has been a magnificent year for us so far, and these two accomplishments show us we are on the right track.
“I’d like to thank all our hard-working staff as it really is a team effort.”