The objective of this paper is to explain concepts such as specialist journalism and food journalism, as well as food trends, food culture and investigative food journalism. The thesis of the paper is intended to determine how gastronomy and culinary reporting affect consumer perceptions and habits. The research method used was survey research. Furthermore, the paper presents an overview of food journalism scene in Croatia. Media influence on this subject is indisputable. In addition to conveying information about restaurants and the food they serve, gastronomy reporting speaks of specific food trends, time and society. Moreover, it explains specific features of food culture, providing ethnological and historical background. In addition, it explains cooking methods and the people behind food. Food journalism is more than only a restaurant review. According to survey results, concerning media content consumption, 79% of the respondents in younger population in Croatia find food and cooking topics important, while 49% of the respondents believe that the quality of the reports on the topic in the media in Croatia is low. 35% of the respondents are undecided on whether this specific media content is of good or of poor quality. Considering the results, a conclusion can be reached that there is interest in the topic, yet insufficient quality content.