Growing up, my family spent hours around the kitchen table enjoying convivial meals and lively conversation, long after the food prep and meal had ended. The secret? A couch alongside one side of the dining table in the eat-in kitchen. Not only does it provide supreme comfort and convenience, but more significantly, it allows one to feel as though they're in a true "living" space and not a utilitarian kitchen. Note that if you opt for a standard height sofa or settee, the legs may need to be placed on risers or a platform in order to bring it up to dining height.
This model from Jonathan Adler strikes the right balance of minimal plushness and bulk without sacrificing comfortable eating and style.
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Morrow-Settee-starting-at/