it's called a table... go ahead and put a table in your kitchen! you'd need very short cabinets otherwise.

LOL... agree with nnigrt. Had a table height island in my first house, thought it looked stupid. Whoever thought that would be a good idea? I realize everyone is fixated on kitchen islands, they're appropriate in lots of situations, not always though. Blasphemy! I had mine removed in my current home because I thought the kitchen too small for it. Looks & flows so much better now.

I have seen photos on houzz of tiered islands, with counter height for working and table height for eating

A table would be too low for any kind of prep work. Tiered would be the way to go if you have room.