Thank you for any suggestions you may have

bump

OP - I'm commenting partly to bump your dilemma up, but I would say this. We had a small bar with seating for two in our last house, and a bigger one in our new house, and I could count one one hand the number of times we used either for meals. We simply never found it comfortable perching on a stool to eat. So I personally would stick with a table.

@jmm1837, what do you think about the island idea? It would be nice to have extra prep space that isn't much lower than the counter level. Also, we might have room for a slightly smaller table in the back area by the windows, and can always just use the dining room for more sit down meals.

I don't see enough room for extending the countertops to provide bar seating. On one peninsula you'd run into the bar sink, on the other, into the washer/dryer. How about a smaller table, perhaps round? Do you need seating for 2, 3 or 4 at one time?

I like the island idea. The table you have there is a tad too big. The island would be a better use of space. Especially since you have the breakfast nook.

Yes, that table is too big for the space, but a smaller island might work there to add extra prep space. If there's room for a small table at the window, I'd do that as well. You might look into drop leaf tables: that would keep the aisle to the washer clear when you're not eating.

What size round table would work best in this space? Ideally I would like to be able to sit 3 people at this table, and on rare occasions 4. For larger events I think I will try to use my dining room more often!

The left peninsula is ~7' and the right one is about 6', with close to 8' in between, if I am remembering correctly. I will be able to provide more precise measurements when I get home.

OP - I think you may be trying to get too much out of that relatively small space. I wouldn't try to seat four there: it's just not a big enough space for that. It will work better with just a small island for prep, and a bistro type table for two near the window.

Dining in a dining room doesn't have to be formal and fancy: we've used the dining room in various houses for most of our meals, with or without guests, for years. No one's ever complained that our dining space is on the casual side (like us, it must be said!) It's just nicer to eat in a room that's a bit less squashed in than your kitchen will probably allow. These days, with open space houses, the dining table is often the only table anyway. I just think the kitchen will work better without trying to put in a table for four.

Pardon the rough sketch, but here are five possibilities. Specific measurements would be needed to ensure adequate traffic areas are wide enough.