This is a completely personal choice, and depends on what you like best.

I would usually spec 3 smaller lamps just get get more even light distribution.

thanks. I ordered three lights and will see how it looks and go from there!

Instead of ordering, returning, reordering, etc. blow up balloons to the size pendants you are consdiering and tape them on strings from the ceiling. It will give you a great visual of what your sightlines will be and if you will want two or three, what size, length. I found my pendants to be the hardest decision of anything I did in the whole kitchen!

Ditto on the balloon mockup. It turned a decision I was sure I was going to agonize over into one of the easiest decisions of my reno.

thanks that is awesome advice...I ordered the lights from a flash sale site b/c I really loved the lights and the price was right. they are returnable so I figured I'd just take my chance. if they don't work out then I will do the balloon trick for sure!