In a selection of colors and patterns, it can even mimic stone. Keep in mind, though, that it can be expensive, has a limited color range, is not heat-resistant and any decorative edge treatments can be costly. You need to remember though, that installation can be expensive and, unless sealed, the grout can look gross after a while. Another hard but very popular surface these days is stone. Properly sealed, it will last a lifetime.
Granite is the hardest and therefore most durable and most expensive.
If you think you can't afford what you want, be flexible and creative. If you love the look of stainless, use it sparingly as a backsplash. Or take a less expensive counter material and have a marble slab inlaid for your pastry making or an oil-finished piece of butcher block for chopping, dicing and slicing. Tuck some custom handmade ceramic tiles in with the less expensive machine-made variety for a bit of interest. Think about the little touches that you'll appreciate through the years, and make your kitchen uniquely your own.