Remove the cabinet and add nothing.

As it is, the side of the fridge looks like an extension of the countertop. Adding a wood panel would look off because there in no other wood at that height in the kitchen.

I would remove the cabinet continue the tiles .

you could get stainless steel shelves installed for your dishes and glasses ,sort of this idea ,

St Clarens renovation · More Info

Agree with either of the above suggestions. I don't like the idea of shelves for a few reasons , aesthetics & im sure they'll just be dust / dirt / grease collectors in that location ( but I'm a little OCD about open shelves in kitchens, been there, never again). Is there an adjacent location e. g., garage where you could add additional storage for occasionally used items? I see your lack of storage issue.