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In the heart of NYU territory, Eva’s is the type of place where regulars order their health-conscious favorites by the number (1-95 at last count). Mediterranean staples such as chickpeas, eggplant, and tahini sauce predominate, and the terms high-protein, low-sodium, and non-hydrogenated are constant refrains. Even omelets get the once-over: baked, not fried, and egg-white-only. Luckily, flavor is rarely sacrificed along the way. The aptly named Knock Out calls for a pita made pleasantly mushy by a layer of warm hummus, then stuffed with grilled tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a choice of chicken, turkey burger, or baked tofu. Zesty fresh-squeezed juices and shakes can be fueled with proteins, carbs, or brain-empowering Ginko Biloba. The airy, white-walled room has a prettily embossed tin ceiling, and bench seating that runs the length of two walls. Cafeteria-style furniture fills the central space, along with two brick columns. While delivery accounts for much of Eva’s business, the restaurant generously accommodates study groups and solo diners, all hunched over newspapers, laptops, and textbooks as classical music trills. — Kate Appleton

Health fiends and gym rats head straight for the shop in back—passing framed photos of Arnold and other bodybuilders—to stock up on vitamin supplements.

Knockout sandwich, $8; lemon chicken, $7.80

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