What's the difference between 顿 and 道 as a measure word for meals? What's the difference between 顿 and 道 as a measure word for meals? What each measure word stresses?


吃了一顿饭
吃了一道饭


Looks like 顿 used to mean 点头 diǎntóu or 鞠躬 jūgōng. If it's so, then presenting "a dish" with a 鞠躬 makes some sence and can explain why 顿 started to be used as a measure word for this type of thing.

But 道 as far as I know is used for crooked thinks like roads and lightnings. Can 道 be used as "a round" like in boxing. "Next round of meals"...
一頓饭 is one meal whereas 一道菜 is one course or one dish.

這頓豐富的晚餐共有十二道菜。 

This sumptuous dinner is made up of twelve courses.