Thanks Sophie. Its a NYC apartment so unfortunately my space is limited. If I left the sink in the back wall I was planning on using the island drawers for pots and pans and dishes/cups storage. The fridge will be built in and have french doors- so it will open but your right it will be tight. If needed we can shorten the island to improve the clearance in front of the fridge. We put the pantry there because it can serve as a food and storage area and because it is a 3 foot deep space- we didn't want to waste the depth.

What would you replace the pantry with?

Thank you!

Putting your sink in the island gives you counter space on both sides of your sink as well as your range. With you sink along the back wall I would feel cramped trying to do food prep.

It's nice to have your sink in the center island where you feel more a part of everything going on in the room.

Make sure the route from the dining table to the dish washer includes this sequence: dining room door, landing place on counter, then sink (for rinsing) then dishwasher. If this dishwasher is between the sink and dining room door, you'll find yourself moving dirty dishes both directions at once in a small area. That is only mildly awkward if there are dishes for one or two people, but it quickly becomes a real debacle with a family or dinner guests. Good luck making the best of the space you have.

Thanks everyone for your comments- Rachel that is a great idea!