do you need pendants. that is a low ceiling. canister lights with dimmers sounds better but you should show a picture or diagram or describe features. Pendants are not a requirement.

Perhaps several ceiling flush-mount lamps would be better. Examples:

• CASEN DRUM
• MANETTE SMALL
• SOPRA
• CENTRIC 6

Whatever style you like! Just get adjustable pendants!!

The pendants should end 36" from the counter, so you have less than 2 ft for the pendants, I would go for small pendants hung close to the ceiling.

MODERN KITCHEN LIGHTING, CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN PENDANT LIGHTING · More Info

MODERN DINING ROOM CHANDELIER, MODERN PENDANT LIGHT FOR DINING ROOM · More Info

I would suggest only recessed lighting, because your ceiling is quite low.

Recessed as much as possible for work lighting, but if you want something with a bit of a visible presence (to add some zip), I'd go for a flushmount or semi-flush in the ballpark of what Lawrence suggested, rather than anything that actually hangs significantly down.

Living District Eclipse 1 Light Flush Mount, Brass/Clear, 8" · More Info

Harrow 1-Light Matte Black Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Gold and Clear Shade · More Info

Andante Industrial Semi Flushmount Ceiling Lamp, Brushed Nickel · More Info

Troy Lighting C3810 Conduit 1 Light Flush Mount Light, Old Silver · More Info

Catalina Lighting 1-Light Colton Semi-Flushmount · More Info

Briarwood Collection 1-Light Flush Mount, Antique Bronze · More Info

lots of possibilities with personality! :) good luck.