There are several choices for cabinetry in kitchens with tall ceilings: 1) Stacked upper cabinets to the ceiling (most expensive and raises the question of whether or not the tallest upper cabinets can be accessed and used effectively); 2) "Standard" 42" or 48" uppers which leave an open area between top of cabinet and ceiling above (this is a "dust catcher" which some folks don't like); 3) Dropped soffit designed for "standard" 42" or 48" uppers (this closes off the "dust catcher" open top of the second alternative).

All of these may be treated with trim, cove, or other moldings and design features depending on architectural style of the house.

which looks the best?

That's an opinion question!

I bet the OP made their decision back in January when they posted this.

Elin - I think that the reason your question can't be answered is that what would look best will depend on so many things. What is the size of the kitchen, what is the style of the home, what are the windows like in the kitchen (placement, size), and what flexibility is there in the budget.

You'd get more advice than Mrs. Pete and Chessie's terse comments if you started a new thread, posted photos and floor plan, discussed your goals and how you use your kitchen (large or small family, cook a lot or little, etc), and posted inspiration photos. The length of responses is often in the same proportion as the question.

Can you lower the ceiling to 8" and install 48"?

I have a high ceiling like this in my kitchen and the cabinets go all the way up to it. I think it looks better than stopping short of the ceiling. However, access is an issue, so we keep less frequently used items stored high and have a small step ladder we can use when necessary.