The right brightness for a pendant light depends on what is happening underneath it. A dining table needs something different than a kitchen island where you are chopping vegetables.
For dining areas, 400 to 800 lumens per bulb is usually comfortable. That gives you enough light to see clearly without making the table feel overly bright. If you already have recessed lighting or wall fixtures in the room, you can stay closer to the lower end of that range.
Kitchens often need more. Over an island where food prep happens, pendants might land between 600 and 1,000 lumens per bulb, especially if they are helping with task lighting. The key is to think about the total output. A three bulb fixture at 600 lumens each produces 1,800 lumens overall, which is quite different from a single bulb pendant.
Color temperature also plays a role. A warm 2700K bulb at 800 lumens will feel softer than a cooler bulb at the same brightness level.
If you are unsure, choose moderate brightness and install a dimmer. That gives you control. You can turn it up when you need clarity and lower it when you want the room to feel more relaxed.
Brightness should support the space, not overpower it.