Home cooks hoping for someone else to do the cooking while they are on holiday may want to think about a trip to Chicago, which has been hailed for its choice of restaurants.

Two eating outlets in the area have been awarded three coveted Michelin stars lately - Alinea and L20 - which is a sign of their exceptional quality.

Meanwhile, Avenues, Charlie Trotter's and Ria were awarded two stars, while 18 establishments were given one star.

Jean-Luc Naret, director of the Michelin Guides, said: "Chicago is the beneficiary of a truly innovative spirit among chefs, who are willing to push culinary limits at all levels.

"The chefs in Chicago are among the world's most creative."

Last year, a number of eateries in Chicago were acknowledged under the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand section, offering customers reasonable prices and a variety of foods to people in the local area.