How big is the area? What are the dimensions of the bench? Given adequate clearance and bench dimensions, I would prefer a banquette. I had a reupholstered restaurant bench in my old kitchen and will have one in my new one. I like the cozy factor. I like the space savings since you don't need the ordinary clearance space around. I like how it sets a room apart from every mother kitchen in your neighborhood. And if you pay attention to the right seat depth, back slope, and cushions, I like the comfort.

Everyone who came to my house commented on my banquette. People fought to sit there. My little DS claimed a spot as his for meal times.

Don't give up on your dream just because one yahoo said he didn't like it. How do you know if this guy has good taste anyway. What were his objections specifically? Not enough space? Doesn't want to build one? Never got to sit on the one at grandpa's house as a child?

It's your house and your design. It's your money paying him. Did you hire him as a designer? If not, it's probably more about how much work he doesn't want to do on them, how much space it'll take in his shop and van, etc., or his prejudices as a burly working man against seating where he has to get up any time one of the kids has to go NOW.

Is there really enough room for the banquette? An L, because of the corner, doesn't give you as much seating as the measurements would suggest. Is there really enough room for a table and chairs? You'd need room to push the chairs back, after all, and room on the table for the serving pieces. And if it's a tight nook, tired working men still have to get up to let the little ones out NOW.

Me? I'd rather have the table, but so what? You'd rather have the banquette. I'd rather have "sit your bottom in your own chair and eat" than "he's touching me!!" You'd rather have your flock cuddled up. I get it. I can see it. It's your house, your family, and it's what you've been wanting. If you haven't been forcing it into a space that really can't hold it, stick to your plans!!!